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Fans of Brazilian music are in deep sorrow over the passing of one of their biggest stars. According to her family's Instagram post, Preta Gil, a Brazilian singer and television host whose real name was Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira, passed away following a two-year fight with colon cancer. She was fifty years old.
In a July 21 Instagram post, her family wrote in Portuguese, "Our beloved Preta Gil will be greatly missed. Pretinha passed away on the afternoon of last Sunday, July 20th, after a long and courageous cancer battle." "Families, friends, and the general public will be able to pay their final respects at a wake that will be held in Rio de Janeiro."
In their closing remarks, Preta's family—which includes parents Sandra Gadelha and Gilberto Gil—thanked her fans. "We thank you again for your kindness, respect, and understanding," they said.
Preta's father later confirmed that the 50-year-old had passed away in New York City while undergoing treatment for her illness.
In a statement obtained by the Daily Mail on July 20, her father stated, "We are currently processing the procedures for her repatriation to Brazil." "As we work through this challenging time as a family, we kindly ask for the understanding of so many close friends, fans, and media professionals."
Preta had written a chronicle of her ongoing fight with colon cancer since her diagnosis in 2023. She revealed in February that she had undergone treatment in the hospital for more than 50 days.
She posted a video of herself walking down a hallway with her medical team cheering her on, along with the caption, "I'm finally discharged," on Instagram at the time. "After my surgery, I spent 55 days in the hospital! Nearly two months were spent fighting and believing without ceasing. I'm now stronger and beginning a new life at home.
During her treatment, Preta did, in fact, continue to think about her doctors, friends, and family.
"I'm grateful to my family, my network of support, and everyone who could be there for me, take care of me,” she added in her February post. “And to those who sent me so much love, faith and positive energy! I won this one again and the fight continues.”
