Brazilian music fans are mourning the loss of one of their brightest stars.
Preta Gil, a Brazilian singer and television host (real name Preta Maria Gadelha Gil Moreira), has died after a two-year battle with colon cancer, her family confirmed on her Instagram. She was 50.
“Our beloved Preta Gil will be greatly missed, Pretinha passed away on the afternoon of last Sunday, July 20th, after a long and courageous cancer battle,” her family shared in a July 21 Instagram post, translated from Portuguese. “A wake will be held in Rio de Janeiro, where family, friends, and the public will be able to pay their last respects.”
Preta’s family, which includes parents Gilberto Gil and Sandra Gadelha, concluded their statement by expressing gratitude for her fans. As they put it, “We thank you once again for your kindness, respect, and understanding.”
Later, Preta’s father confirmed the 50-year-old had died while receiving treatment for her condition in New York City.
