The world feels quieter now. Andrea Gibson, a brave and beautiful poet whose words helped heal countless hearts, passed away on July 14, 2025.
Andrea died peacefully at 4:16 am in their home in Boulder, Colorado. Their final moments were wrapped in love, surrounded by their wife Megan Falley, four ex-girlfriends, their parents, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs.
Andrea’s wife, Megan Falley, shared a deeply emotional message on Instagram, honoring Andrea’s final moments with one of their most powerful and unforgettable quotes.
Andrea had been fighting ovarian cancer since 2021. Even during their hardest days, they chose not to hide. Instead, they shared their journey with the world through poetry, performances, and open conversations, offering comfort to those facing their own pain and fear.
Their cancer journey was beautifully captured in the Sundance-winning documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which premieres soon on Apple TV+. The film includes an original song co-written by Andrea alongside artists Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile.
Andrea wasn’t just a poet. They were a force of light. Their books You Better Be Lightning, Lord of the Butterflies, and Take Me With You became sources of comfort and strength for people around the world. Their performances sold out venues across the U.S., and their poetry reached audiences from US to Scandinavia.
Appointed Colorado’s Poet Laureate in 2023, Andrea used their platform to speak openly about love, grief, gender, identity, and what it means to be human.
In their final months, Andrea chose to remain in Boulder, Colorado—a place they had called home for over 20 years. They spent time with those they loved, continued writing, and faced death with radical love, honesty, and grace.
Andrea once said, “You shouldn’t need a Ph.D. to understand a poem. A poem should hold your hand.” And that’s precisely what they did again and again.
One of their final poems reads:
Andrea Gibson’s heart may have stopped, but their light will never fade. Their words, courage, and voice will continue to guide, comfort, and inspire. Rest in power, Andrea. Your light lives on.
