Hayley Williams has publicly addressed the passing of her former husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, who died on Sunday. In an Instagram tribute, the Paramore singer explained she hesitated for a few days because she wasn’t sure what to say or whether it was appropriate, given their split. Ultimately, she decided to speak out to honor his influence on the music community they both cherished.
Gilbert and Williams were married for just a year, wedding in 2016 and divorcing in 2017, and their separation was reportedly not amicable. However, the two had been together for many years, having begun their relationship in 2008.
Williams shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram Stories, writing:
“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite.
“Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer.
“There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me.
“I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.
“Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”
In a joint statement announcing their split in 2017, Gilbert and Williams said, “Marriage is not for the faint of heart. There is a challenge to trying to understand your own heart in the context of a relationship… and there is goodness in considering another heart, even in spite of your own. Love is an absolute risk. And it’s up to each of us to stay hopeful even when the outcome isn’t what we’d originally hoped for.”