Andrea Gibson, an award-winning poet, activist, and Colorado’s first nonbinary Poet Laureate, passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 49. Their death came after a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer, which they had publicly shared and poetically documented since their diagnosis in 2021. Gibson’s passing was not just the loss of a literary voice—it was a deeply personal loss for the LGBTQ+ community and admirers of vulnerability, truth, and beauty in its rawest form. Discover the heartfelt story behind Andrea Gibson Cause of Death.
A Courageous Battle with Ovarian Cancer
Andrea Gibson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, a revelation they met with characteristic grace and unflinching honesty. Rather than turning away from the darkness, they faced it head-on, transforming their diagnosis into poetry, advocacy, and purpose. Over the following years, they underwent chemotherapy and continued to perform, write, and share their emotional and spiritual journey with the world.
In their own words, Gibson once said:
“I never imagined I could find so much joy throughout a time like this. I’ve been flooded with it—simply because I spend so much less time thinking about the past or the future… There is so much sweetness in a moment truly lived.”
They found beauty in impermanence, gratitude in hardship, and strength in surrender. Their poetry, especially in works like You Better Be Lightning, reflected a soul still ablaze with love and clarity despite the shadow of illness.
A Peaceful Passing
According to a statement shared by Gibson’s wife, Megan Falley, Andrea passed peacefully at 4:16 a.m. on July 14, surrounded by loved ones in their Colorado home. At their bedside were Megan, Gibson’s parents, four ex-girlfriends, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs.
Falley’s emotional tribute began with a quote from Gibson themselves:
“Whenever I leave this world, whether it’s 60 years from now, I wouldn’t want anyone to say I lost some battle. I’ll be a winner that day.”
And so, Megan wrote:
“Andrea Gibson was a winner today.”
In their final hours, Gibson reportedly said:
“I f—–g loved my life.”
These final words were in line with the spirit they carried through their journey—one of fullness, acceptance, and fierce presence.
A Life of Impact: Beyond Poetry
Born on August 13, 1975, in Calais, Maine, Andrea Gibson moved to Colorado in the 1990s. Initially shy and reluctant to read aloud due to stage fright, they discovered a calling in spoken word poetry—a form they came to master and revolutionize. Their poetry, often centered around gender identity, politics, LGBTQ+ issues, mental health, and love, touched thousands of lives.
Some of Gibson’s most recognized poetry collections include:
- Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns (2008)
- The Madness Vase
- Pansy
- Lord of the Butterflies
- You Better Be Lightning
- Take Me With You
Their performances were electric, emotional, and intimate, making them one of the most recognizable names in the contemporary poetry scene.
In 2023, Gibson was named Poet Laureate of Colorado, a historic appointment that honored not only their literary brilliance but also their role in amplifying marginalized voices.
Legacy Through Documentary and Final Works
In early 2025, a documentary titled Come See Me in the Good Light premiered, capturing Gibson’s final years, their relationship with Megan Falley, and their powerful reflections on illness and love. The film featured music by Brandi Carlile and Sara Bareilles, further elevating the reach of Gibson’s story.
A poem from this period, titled “Love Letter From the Afterlife”, has since gone viral. It contains the line:
“I am more here than I ever was before. I am more with you than I ever could have imagined.”
This verse has been widely shared by fans and mourners, a spiritual touchstone for those grieving their passing.
Mourning a Giant, Celebrating a Life
Gibson’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and love online. Colorado Governor Jared Polis called them:
“One-of-a-kind… Renowned for inspiring poetry, advocacy for arts in education, and a unique ability to connect with diverse communities.”
Falley, in her farewell, remembered them not just as a poet or performer, but as a basketball champion, a dog parent, a spouse, and a soul who aimed “their internal compass toward joy.”
Andrea Gibson may be gone from this earthly plane, but their voice continues to echo in every stanza, every stage, and every heart they ever touched.
Final Thoughts
Andrea Gibson taught the world how to hold grief and gratitude in the same breath, how to speak boldly of pain and still smile with wonder. They did not “lose a battle” with cancer—they completed a journey with courage and unmatched authenticity.
Their legacy lives on in their poems, performances, and the countless lives they helped heal, one verse at a time.
