Andrea Gibson, the acclaimed poet and spoken word artist whose work gave voice to themes of gender identity, politics, mortality, and the transformative power of love, has died at the age of 49. Their death was confirmed Monday by their wife, poet Megan Falley, through a heartfelt social media announcement.
Gibson passed away at their home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by their wife, four former partners, their parents, close friends, and their three beloved dogs. Their death comes after a four-year battle with terminal ovarian cancer—a journey Gibson chronicled with extraordinary honesty through their art.
“Andrea Gibson died in their home… surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs,” read the announcement.
Gibson and Falley are the central subjects of Come See Me in the Good Light, a deeply personal documentary that won the Festival Favorite award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, directed by Ryan White, captures the couple’s enduring love story and Gibson’s final chapter. It features an original song co-written by Gibson, Sara Bareilles, and Brandi Carlile, and is set to premiere on Apple TV+ later this year, according to CNN.
At Sundance, where the documentary premiered in January, Gibson shared that they did not expect to live long enough to witness the film’s release. The screening left many in tears, as Gibson’s vulnerability and courage moved viewers profoundly.
Tributes poured in from fellow poets, fans, and public figures. Writers Cheryl Strayed and Elizabeth Gilbert praised Gibson’s ability to change lives through verse. LGBTQ+ individuals said their poetry helped them embrace their identities, while others facing terminal illness said Gibson made them less afraid of death.
In one of their final poems, Love Letter from the Afterlife, Gibson wrote: “Dying is the opposite of leaving. When I left my body, I did not go away… I am more here than I ever was before.”
Linda Williams Stay recalled how Gibson’s poetry helped her bond with her transgender son and later gave her strength during her own cancer diagnosis. She described Gibson’s visit to southern Utah to perform for the LGBTQ+ community as “life-changing.”
Born in Maine, Gibson moved to Colorado in the late 1990s and served as the state’s poet laureate for two years. Their bestselling books include You Better Be Lightning, Lord of the Butterflies, and Take Me With You. Colorado Governor Jared Polis called Gibson “truly one of a kind” and praised their unique ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Comedian Tig Notaro, a close friend and executive producer of the documentary, said, “The final past few days of Andrea’s life were so painful to witness, but simultaneously one of the most beautiful experiences of all of our lives.” Gibson’s poetry, full of vulnerability and grace, leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.