Beloved Brazilian Singer Preta Gil, 50, Dies in U.S. amid Cancer Treatment

Brazilian singer Preta Gil has died. She was 50. 

Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira, known professionally as Preta Gil, died Sunday, July 20, “after a long and courageous treatment against cancer.” News of the “Sinais de fogo” singer’s death was confirmed in a statement posted to her Instagram account on Monday, July 21. 

Gil was receiving cancer treatment in New York at the time of her death, according to the Daily Mail.

“At this moment, there is still no provision for the repatriation of the body to Brazil,” the statement, which was posted in Portuguese, read. “The wake will be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, family, friends and the public will be able to pay their last tributes. As soon as we have a definition about date, schedule and location, we will disclose it here.”

Her father, Gilberto Gil, also shared a statement to his Facebook account informing the “Só o Amor” singer’s family and fans of her death. 

“It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Preta Maria Gadelha,” he confirmed. The singer and former Minister of Culture of Brazil, 83, asked for privacy as their family handles the loss. 

“We ask for the understanding of so many dear friends, fans, and media professionals as we navigate this difficult time as a family,” the politician wrote, adding, “We will release information about the farewells as soon as possible.”

Preta was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2023, the Daily Mail reported.

The outlet added that the businesswoman, television host and actress had been on her way back to Brazil, but started feeling sick while en route to the airport and was rushed to a medical facility, where she died.

She reportedly received chemotherapy and radiation in Brazil, undergoing surgery to remove tumors in August 2024 after the cancer spread to her ureter, peritoneum and two lymph nodes.

Preta was open about her diagnosis and treatment. 

In a February 11 Instagram post, she shared a video of herself becoming emotional as hospital staff surprised her. 

“Finally discharged after 55 days in the hospital after my surgery!!! It’s been almost 2 months fighting and never stopped believing!!!” she wrote.

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Nurses lined the hallway, cheering her on with yellow and red balloons.

“Now starting a new life at home and stronger!!!” Preta added.

The “Ser Diferente É Normal” singer is survived by her son Francisco Müller, 30, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Brazilian actor Otávio Müller de Sá, most known as Otávio Müller.