Hayley Williams has publicly addressed the death of her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, three days after his death aged 45 following a brain cancer battle. She said she had struggled to know what to say, but praised Gilbert as a significant figure whose influence, passion and community-building helped shape the music scene.

Williams said her relationship with Gilbert introduced her to people, music and hardcore culture that enriched her life, and expressed lasting gratitude for his contribution. They dated from 2008, married in 2016 and separated the following year; Gilbert later married Lisa Cimorelli, who announced that he died peacefully on 20 September surrounded by family and friends, including their daughter Lily.