Brazilian singer and actress Preta Gil has died from cancer at the age of 50.

Gil was battling colon cancer since January 2023 and was in New York, where she was receiving treatment.

She was on her way to the airport to return to Brazil when she fell ill. She was rushed to a medical facility, where she died.

Gilberto Gil, the father of Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira and a former culture minister, announced with sorrow that Preta has passed away in New York. The family is currently making arrangements to bring her back to Brazil.

‘We ask for the understanding of so many dear friends, fans, and media professionals as we navigate this difficult time as a family.’

Preta had undergone chemotherapy and radiation in Brazil. In August 2024, she had surgery to remove tumors after cancer spread to her ureter, the peritoneum, and two lymph nodes.

In May, Preta traveled to the United States for further treatment of her illness, spending time in both Washington and New York to try out experimental therapies.

‘Life is happening and I’m between New York and Washington! I start my treatment on the 10th [of June],’ she said in a social media post.

Brazilian singer and actress Preta Gil died Sunday at the age of 50 following a battle with cancer

Gil was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and came to the United States in June to try experimental treatments in Washington and New York

‘In the meantime, I’m strengthening myself physically and spiritually, receiving lots of love. I love you all, thank you for all the daily messages, prayers and positive energy. You heal me!’

Gil initially worked as producer and publicist before releasing her first album, ‘Prêt-à-Porter,’ in 2003 at the age of 29.

The project was widely criticized because she appeared nude in the album cover.

‘I remember showing it to my father and he said, ‘Unnecessary, Preta.’ That was a mess in my head,’ Gil told Brazilian television present Pedro Bial at the time.

‘But my father is wise. He knew exactly what I was going to go through later. I released the album thinking I was covering up, but there was a flood of criticism at the time. A lot of conservatism.’

She released her second album, ‘Preta,’ in 2005 and ‘Noite Petra’ in 2010 while touring across the South American nation for seven years.

Brazilian singer and actress Preta Gil was traveling to an airport  in the New York City area when she fell ill and was rushed to a local hospital, where she died

Gil received chemotherapy and radiation in Brazil and then underwent surgery to remove tumors in August 2024 after the cancer had spread to the ureter, the peritoneum and two lymph nodes

Gil took her singing success to the theatrical stage and launched the musical ‘Baile da Preta.’

‘Brazilian popular music is so rich and varied, and I feel it’s my duty as an artist to bring this diversity to the stage,’ she said.

‘I want the audience to have a complete experience, not only auditory but also visual. The set, lighting, and costumes are very important to me.’

Petra also hosted her own television show, ‘Vai e vem,’ where guests spoke about their sexual past.

‘I wanted it to be a show without vulgarity, with intelligence and humor,’ she said in interview with talk show host Jo Soares.

Gil was bisexual and was known for advocating for women’s and LGBT+ rights.

She appeared before Brazil’s Congress in 2011 when lawmakers were debating the legalization of same-sex marriage, which was approved two years later.

“I’m openly bisexual, and I’ve been heavily attacked for that,” she said at the time. “I’m here as a woman, as a citizen, doing my part, and, of course, as an artist, being able to lend my voice to further amplify their voices.”

Gil is survived by her 28-year-old son, Francisco.