Chad Gilbert, the talented guitarist and singer of the popular rock band New Found Glory, fulfilled his lifelong ambition of starting a family before his untimely passing from cancer. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, a musician known for her contributions to the band Cimorelli, has shared heartfelt tributes to Gilbert, describing him as her “love of my life” and a devoted father to their daughter, Lily.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Chad-Gilbert-lisa-cimorelli-4926-e4dd7e1ecfd145a091a9c7a4f86ac8bf.jpg)
Gilbert, who married Cimorelli in 2020, faced a difficult healthcare journey after receiving a diagnosis of aggressive stage 4 adrenal cancer. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for the life he built with Cimorelli, stating in an April 2026 interview, “I always wanted to play music, and I got that, but my biggest dream was to be married to a beautiful wife that would love me and have a daughter. That was my dream… I accomplished my dream.”
Gilbert’s relationship with Cimorelli blossomed after his divorce from Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore. Lisa, who co-founded Cimorelli with her sisters in 2007, connected with Gilbert in 2019 and soon they were engaged. Their wedding took place less than a year later, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Lily, in July 2021.
The joy of welcoming Lily, however, was intertwined with the challenges of Gilbert’s health. His initial cancer diagnosis came shortly after Lily’s birth, as he struggled with various treatments and surgeries aimed at combating the disease. Tragically, despite earlier claims of being cancer-free, the condition returned with increased severity, ultimately taking a toll on his health and life.
Throughout Gilbert’s ordeal, Cimorelli remained a steadfast supporter. In December 2021, she heroically revived her husband after finding him unresponsive at home. Following the incident, Gilbert recalled how a first responder attributed his survival to Cimorelli’s actions, highlighting her role as not only his partner but also a life-saver.
The couple’s bond deepened during Gilbert’s lengthy battle with cancer. Cimorelli publicly praised his incredible spirit, commenting on his bravery despite the harsh realities they faced. In turn, Gilbert admired Cimorelli’s resilience and support, declaring her as one of the toughest individuals he had ever known. He often shared his gratitude for her presence, stating that their shared laughter, even amid hospital visits, exemplified their strong connection.
Tragically, on September 20, 2026, Gilbert passed away peacefully at the age of 45. Cimorelli made an emotional announcement via social media, revealing that he spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones. “He was a legendary musician, but his favourite accomplishment was being a husband and father,” she reflected, embodying the profound love the family shared.
Cimorelli had often expressed how these years of shared joy and pain with Gilbert had shaped her life. Following their daughter’s birth, she described her relationship with Gilbert as one filled with meaningful moments, leading her to reflect on their journey together. “I have never felt so fully alive and aware of the passage of time,” she wrote in a heartfelt post.
Gilbert’s legacy continues through both his music and the family he nurtured. His love story with Cimorelli resonates deeply with fans who admired his talent and dedication, not just to music but to his role as a husband and father. As tributes pour in, the artistic and personal legacy he leaves behind will undoubtedly remain cherished by many.
In the face of adversity, Gilbert and Cimorelli’s relationship illustrated the strength and resilience of love, creating a poignant reminder of the beauty of life, despite its challenges. Their journey together, marked by both joy and heartache, encapsulates the profound impact a shared dream and unwavering support can have on enduring life’s hardships.