Celebrated Poet Andrea Gibson Passes Away at 49 After Battle with Cancer

Andrea Gibson, a prominent poet and performance artist, has passed away at the age of 49 following a four-year fight against terminal ovarian cancer. The news of Gibson's death was shared on social media by their spouse, Megan Falley. Gibson's life and struggles were documented in the film "Come See Me in the Good Light," which received accolades as the Festival Favorite at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to premiere on Apple TV+ later this year.

The announcement revealed that Gibson died peacefully at their home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones, including their wife, former partners, and family members. The documentary depicts the bond between Gibson and Falley as they navigate the challenges of cancer, complemented by an original song featuring contributions from artists like Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile. During the Sundance screening, Gibson expressed gratitude for being able to witness the documentary, which they initially did not expect to live long enough to see.

Following Gibson's passing, an outpouring of tributes came from friends, fans, and fellow poets, including notable writers like Cheryl Strayed and Elizabeth Gilbert. Many in the LGBTQ+ community have credited Gibson's work with fostering self-love, while those facing terminal illnesses found solace in their insights about death and love. Just before their death, Gibson penned a touching poem, "Love Letter from the Afterlife," where they reflected on the nature of existence and the interconnectedness of love beyond physical presence.

Gibson's influence resonated deeply with individuals like Linda Williams Stay, who shared how their poetry bridged understanding between her and her transgender son. In light of their own cancer diagnosis, Stay found inspiration and comfort in Gibson's work, which also profoundly impacted her community in southern Utah.

Originally from Maine, Gibson had made Colorado their home by the late 1990s, where they served as the state’s poet laureate for the past two years. The governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, acknowledged Gibson’s unique ability to connect with diverse audiences through their art. Tig Notaro, a longtime friend and executive producer of the documentary, reminisced about their beginnings as performers in Colorado and the lasting impact Gibson's artistry had on her. Notaro shared that witnessing the final days of Gibson's life, despite the pain it brought, was a transformative experience filled with profound human connection.

Gibson's health struggles inspired a wealth of poetry that delved into themes of mortality, depression, and the nature of existence. In works such as "How the Worst Day of My Life Became My Best," Gibson conveyed a powerful message of embracing life's storms, highlighting their resilience and strength in the face of adversity.