The music world lost a vibrant voice. The Brazilian singer passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was 50 years old.
Her death followed a long and public battle with cancer. She fought the disease for over two years with immense courage.
She died in the United States while receiving experimental treatment. The sad news was confirmed by her family the following day.
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1974, she carved her own path in music. As the daughter of legendary musician Gilberto Gil, she embraced a rich cultural heritage. She became a celebrated artist and cultural icon in her own right.
This article explores her life, career, and lasting impact. We remember her strength and the legacy she leaves behind.
Early Life and Family Background
The story of her name reveals a family committed to challenging conventions long before she became an artist herself.
Family Heritage and Musical Roots
Born Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira, she carried names that told a story of resistance. Her father was Gilberto Gil, an influential musician and former Minister of Culture. Her mother Sandra Gadelha inspired the famous song “Drão” after their separation.
She grew up with a sister, Maria Gil, and a brother, Pedro Gil. The artistic lineage extended to her uncle Caetano Veloso. Her godmother was the celebrated singer Gal Costa.
The Name Story: From Gilberto Gil’s Creative Challenge
When her father tried to register the name “Preta” after her birth, the notary refused. He claimed “Preta is not a person’s name.” Gilberto challenged this double standard.
He pointed to accepted names like Branca, Clara, and Rosa. His mother Claudina suggested adding “Maria” as a second name. The notary agreed, provided it was a Catholic name.
This naming struggle foreshadowed her lifelong advocacy. It showed her family’s commitment to breaking norms from the very beginning.
Career Highlights and Musical Journey
Her musical career began not as a youthful dream, but as a powerful, deliberate statement at age 29. She stepped into the spotlight fully formed, ready to challenge norms and share her unique voice with the world.
Breakthrough and Signature Works
Her 2003 debut, “Prêt-à-Porter,” made an immediate impact. The album’s nude cover art sparked debate, but she stood by her choice to challenge beauty standards.
The lead single, “Sinais de Fogo,” became an instant classic. It remained a fan favorite and a staple in her live performances for years.
She followed with three more studio albums. Each release blended pop sensibilities with the rich sounds of Brazilian Popular Music.
Hits like “Só o Amor” and “Meu Xodó” further showcased her range. They solidified her connection with a growing audience.
Evolution in the Brazilian Music Scene
Beyond recordings, she became a Carnival icon. Her Bloco da Preta, founded in 2009, drew massive crowds in Rio de Janeiro every year.
She collaborated with greats like Gal Costa and Ivete Sangalo. These projects highlighted her respected place in the industry.
Her entrepreneurial side shone with Music2Mynd, an agency she co-founded. It represented a new generation of major Brazilian artists.
Touring with her family inspired popular Prime Video series. These shows offered a intimate look at their creative life.
In 2024, she published her autobiography, “Os Primeiros 50.” The book detailed her personal and professional journey with honesty.
Personal Life, Marriages, and Family Legacy
The same courage she showed on stage was mirrored in her approach to love and family. Her personal journey through relationships revealed a woman who lived authentically in every aspect of her life.
Relationships and Family Bonds
In 1994, she married actor Otávio Müller. Their union lasted only a year but brought her greatest joy. Their son Francisco was born in 1995.
Francisco grew up to follow the family musical tradition. He became a musician himself, continuing the artistic legacy.
Almost a decade later, she found love with Rodrigo Godoy. The basketball player and personal trainer became her husband in 2015 after two years of dating. Their marriage ended in 2023 during her cancer diagnosis.
Her mother Sandra once humorously remarked that both daughters married “crazy men.” This showed the family’s lighthearted perspective on relationships over time.
She maintained strong bonds with the extended Gil family throughout her life. Her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights reflected her commitment to living truthfully. Becoming a grandmother added another generation to carry forward the family name.
Preta Gil: Battling Cancer with Courage
The diagnosis that would shape her final chapter came in early 2023, launching a battle fought with transparency and grace. She shared her journey openly, allowing fans to witness her strength during the most challenging days.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Timeline
In January 2023, doctors confirmed intestinal cancer. This began a two-and-a-half-year fight that would test her resilience.
She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment in Brazil. The initial approach showed promising results for many months.
By August 2024, the cancer had returned in four areas. It spread to lymph nodes, the peritoneum, and her ureter.
Hospital Stays, Surgery, and Experimental Care in the US
December 2024 brought a major 21-hour surgery at Sírio-Libanês Hospital. Surgeons worked to remove tumors during this complex procedure.
She spent 55 days recovering in the hospital. Staff celebrated her discharge with yellow and red balloons lining the hallway.
“Never stopped believing,” she wrote on social media after leaving. She promised to start a new life at home, stronger than before.
In May 2025, she sought experimental cancer treatment in the United States. Centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering offered new hope.
Her father Gilberto Gil once offered profound advice about accepting one’s time. Those words became a source of strength during her difficult journey.
Reflecting on the Everlasting Impact of Preta Gil
The legacy she leaves behind extends far beyond the music charts and Carnival celebrations. Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira embodied the fight her father waged to name her, setting the stage for a life of breaking norms.
She challenged beauty standards long before “body shaming” entered common vocabulary. Her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights and unapologetic self-expression inspired a generation.
Bloco da Preta became a Rio de Janeiro phenomenon, celebrating joy and diversity with thousands each year. Her business ventures like Music2Mynd shaped Brazil’s digital music landscape.
Her autobiography “Os Primeiros 50” offered candid insights into her personal journey. The vibrant singer’s warmth touched every stage and screen she graced.
Though she passed away at 50 after a courageous battle, her voice continues to resonate. Her family, including son Francisco and granddaughter, carries forward her spirit of authenticity and joy.
