‘West Side Story’ Star Ariana DeBose Sends Message After Poet Andrea Gibson Dies at 49 originally appeared on Parade.

It was announced earlier on Monday morning that poet and activist Andrea Gibson passed away after a four-year battle with terminal ovarian cancer.

The death was announced to the public through a collaborative post on Instagram by Gibson’s account with their wife, Megan Falley, and their friend, Stef Willen.

“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,” an excerpt read.

“Andrea would want you to know that they got their wish. In the end, their heart was covered in stretch marks.”

Tributes were written in the comment section and throughout social media from friends, fans, poets and queer artists. Many said that Gibson’s words had changed their lives and helped them learn to love themselves. Plus, people who were battling cancer and other terminal illnesses said Gibson made them less afraid of death by reminding them that we never really leave the ones we love.

One of the queer artists who paid tribute to the late poet includes Oscar winner and actress Ariana DeBose. DeBose, known for her role as Anita in West Side Story and a member of the original ensemble cast of the Broadway musical Hamilton, reposted the announcement from Out Magazine‘s official Instagram to her story and wrote the caption “Rest in power beautiful human.”

Gibson was best known for their groundbreaking spoken-word poetry, performances and activism. Many of the themes that were explored were gender identity, social justice, mental health and love. They were 49 years old when they passed.

‘West Side Story’ Star Ariana DeBose Sends Message After Poet Andrea Gibson Dies at 49 first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.