Jack White’s Brother Edward Gillis Dies at 60 After ‘Tough Battle Against Cancer,’ Says Musician in Touching Tribute

Jack White has announced the passing of his older brother, Edward Gerard Gillis, who died on Saturday, October 24, after valiantly battling cancer. Edward was 60 years old at the time of his death, as reported by The Detroit News. The former frontman of The White Stripes shared the news through a heartfelt social media post that conveyed both sorrow and admiration for his brother.

In his emotional Instagram tribute, White described his brother as a “beautiful soul” and an “amazing big brother.” He wrote, “The world lost a beautiful soul today. My brother Edward Gerard Gillis has passed over to heaven this morning after having fought a tough battle against cancer. Ed was such a caring, funny and generous person that everybody loved.” This poignant message poignantly reflected the profound impact Edward had on those around him.

Edward Gillis was the eighth of ten siblings, while Jack White is the youngest of the family. In his touching tribute, Jack reminisced about their shared experiences, highlighting their close relationship and the numerous memories they created together. He accompanied his words with various photographs showcasing their bond throughout the years, including some treasured throwbacks featuring Edward.

Beyond his familial role, Edward was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Angie, and their two children, Amelia and Garrett. Jack commemorated the joy that Edward brought to their lives, recalling how he could light up a room with his humour and charm. “He truly would have many of us laughing and falling out of our chairs at times,” Jack remembered.

Edward had a passion for music and was initially the musician in the family before Jack rose to fame. Even after pursuing different paths, Edward’s love for music remained quintessential to his identity. He worked for a decade as the manager of Third Man Records’ vinyl pressing plant in Detroit, where he oversaw the production of records for countless artists. His creative flair extended beyond music; he was also known for his talent in pastry-making, having served as a chef in prestigious venues such as the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Beaumont Hospital.

White described Edward’s artistic flair, noting, “He loved making small sculptures and flowers from the vinyl scraps of the plant that people really enjoyed.” This multifaceted approach to life revealed Edward’s diverse talents and his dedication to making a mark in various fields.

The bond between the brothers remained strong throughout their lives, as Jack fondly recalled their shared musical memories. He recounted how Edward was the family guitar player during their youth while he played the drums. Together, they performed at various events, including a memorable occasion for the Detroit Tigers during spring training in Florida.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from his brother, White expressed deep gratitude for Edward’s guidance. “He taught me so many wonderful and simple things over the years that I’ll never forget; how to string a guitar, how to fish on the Detroit River, how to drive a stick shift,” he elaborated. Jack’s heartfelt words illustrated the invaluable influence Edward had on his life.

Tragically, this year also marked the loss of their mother, Teresa Gillis, who passed away at the age of 95 in March. Jack shared this heartbreaking news earlier in the year, further highlighting the poignant nature of his family’s recent losses.

As Jack White continues his North American tour, he does so while carrying the weight of his brother’s passing. In this difficult time, he reflects on the profound bond he shared with Edward and the legacy of love, laughter, and musical memories that will continue to resonate within him. While mourning the loss of his “amazing big brother,” Jack is also grateful for the time they had together and the peace Edward has now found.