Who was Andrea Gibson? All about the celebrated poet and activist who died at 49 after cancer battle

The American poet and activist, Andrea Gibson, who explored politics and gender norms through poetry, died on Monday, July 14, 2025. The star was battling ovarian cancer for years and breathed their last at their home in Boulder, Colorado, according to ABC News.

As per reports, Andrea was surrounded by their parents, friends, their wife Megan Falley, ex-girlfriends, and their dogs at the time of their death. Andrea was 49 at the time of their death. The news of Andrea's death was first announced by their wife, Megan, in a post on social media. They wrote:

''Andrea Gibson was a winner today. On July 14th, at 4:16AM, Andrea Gibson died in their home surrounded by their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs.''

More about Andrea Gibson

Andrea Gibson grew up in Calais, Maine, but later moved to New Orleans and then finally settled in Boulder, Colorado. They were best known as a spoken word poet, activist, and author who explored mental health, illness, social justice, gender, and love.

Some of their bestselling poetry collections include Lord of the Butterflies, The Madness Vase, and You Better Be Lightning. Some of these poems were also adapted into audio albums combining poetry and music, including Pole Dancing to Gospel Hymns and The Flower Boy.

Andrea's emotional and politically urgent poems that were widely known and loved by fans included The Nutritionis, Swingset, and A Letter to the Playground Bully from Andrea (Age 8 ½). Andrea is a Four-time Denver Grand Slam Champion and also won the Women of the World Poetry Slam champion in 2008.

They were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, which they had shared publicly, and spoke about topics like death, hope, and healing in some of their final writings. Andrea's work in poetry and their activism will be remembered for a long time.

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