Hayley Williams has paid a heartfelt tribute to her ex-husband, Chad Gilbert.
The New Found Glory co-founder died at the age of 45 on Sunday following a years-long battle with cancer.
Returning to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Paramore frontwoman Williams issued a statement remembering Gilbert, whom she was married to from 2016 to 2017.
“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to bc (because) life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” she began. “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.”
The Misery Business singer went on to credit Gilbert with teaching her a lot about the pop punk music scene.
“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,” the 37-year-old continued.
And to conclude, Williams offered her condolences to Gilbert’s family and friends.
“I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore,” she added. “Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”
Gilbert married Lisa Cimorelli in 2020. The couple welcomed a daughter named Lily the following year.
