Hayley Williams Honors Late Ex-Husband Chad Gilbert on Social Media
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams posted a tribute to former husband and New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert after his death, acknowledging their past and his influence on the music community.
Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams posted a tribute on Instagram Stories after the death of her former husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, who died on Sunday. Williams said she delayed commenting because she was unsure what to say or whether it was appropriate, given their estranged relationship, but ultimately felt compelled to acknowledge Gilbert’s impact on the scene they shared.
Williams wrote that Gilbert was “a legend in the scene” and credited him with introducing her to people and music that enriched her life. She added that his influence helped shape the genre and that his passion for fostering the community left a lasting impression. The singer expressed gratitude for the deeper understanding of the hardcore community she gained through him and sent condolences to his family, the New Found Glory members and his friends.
"Marriage is not for the faint of heart. There is a challenge to trying to understand your own heart in the context of a relationship… and there is goodness in considering another heart, even in spite of your own. Love is an absolute risk. And it’s up to each of us to stay hopeful even when the outcome isn’t what we’d originally hoped for."
The couple had married in 2016 and divorced the following year, though their relationship dated back to 2008. Gilbert’s death prompted Williams to reflect on his contributions to the music world they both inhabited.