Famous Brazilian singer dies suddenly aged just 50 while receiving colon cancer treatment in NYC
Gil was battling colon cancer since January 2023 and was in New York, where she was receiving treatment.
She was on her way to the airport to return to Brazil when she fell ill. She was rushed to a medical facility, where she died.
'It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira in New York, where we are currently processing the procedures for her repatriation to Brazil,' Gil's father and former culture minister Gilberto Gil said in a statement Sunday evening.
'We ask for the understanding of so many dear friends, fans, and media professionals as we navigate this difficult time as a family.'
The artist had received chemotherapy and radiation in Brazil. She underwent surgery to remove tumors in August 2024 after the cancer spread to the ureter, the peritoneum and two lymph nodes.
In May, Gil traveled to the United States to seek care for her illness, splitting time between Washington and New York as she tried experimental treatments.
'Life is happening and I'm between New York and Washington! I start my treatment on the 10th [of June],' she said in a social media post.
'In the meantime, I'm strengthening myself physically and spiritually, receiving lots of love. I love you all, thank you for all the daily messages, prayers and positive energy. You heal me!'
Gil initially worked as producer and publicist before releasing her first album, 'Prêt-à-Porter,' in 2003 at the age of 29.
The project was widely criticized because she appeared nude in the album cover.
'I remember showing it to my father and he said, 'Unnecessary, Preta.' That was a mess in my head,' Gil told Brazilian television present Pedro Bial at the time.
'But my father is wise. He knew exactly what I was going to go through later. I released the album thinking I was covering up, but there was a flood of criticism at the time. A lot of conservatism.'
She released her second album, 'Preta,' in 2005 and 'Noite Petra' in 2010 while touring across the South American nation for seven years.
Gil took her singing success to the theatrical stage and launched the musical 'Baile da Preta.'
'Brazilian popular music is so rich and varied, and I feel it's my duty as an artist to bring this diversity to the stage,' she said.
'I want the audience to have a complete experience, not only auditory but also visual. The set, lighting, and costumes are very important to me.'
Petra also hosted her own television show, 'Vai e vem,' where guests spoke about their sexual past.
'I wanted it to be a show without vulgarity, with intelligence and humor,' she said in interview with talk show host Jo Soares.
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