Hayley Williams Pens Tribute to Late Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert, Says ' My Time Connected to Him Taught Me A Lot' | Just Jared

Hayley Williams is paying tribute to the late Chad Gilbert.

The 37-year-old singer took to her Instagram story on Wednesday (September 23) to speak out, days after her ex-husband passed away following a years-long battle with cancer.

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“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate,” Hayley prefaced on her Instagram story. “But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite.”

“Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer.

There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me.

I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.

Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”

If you’re unaware, Hayley and Chad started dating in 2007 and got married in 2016. However, they announced nearly a year and a half later that they split up.

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Chad was a guitarist for New Found Glory

Chad was a member of rock band New Found Glory from it’s origin in 1997 through the time of his death.

The band shared the sad news of his passing on Sunday (September 20).

“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement began. “He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished.”

“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” they continued.

“Chad‘s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” his bandmates said in their statement.

They added, “While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”

Chad was diagnosed with a rare form of adrenal gland cancer called pheochromocytoma in 2021 and underwent surgery. The cancer later returned and spread to other parts of his body.

Earlier this year, Chad underwent brain surgery after doctors discovered tumors in his brain.

Our continued thoughts go out to Chad Gilbert‘s loved ones during this time.

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