Poet and Activist Andrea Gibson Dies After Four-Year Battle with Ovarian Cancer

Published: July 15, 2025

Andrea Gibson, a renowned poet, activist, and subject of the documentary film "Come See Me in the Good Light," has passed away at the age of 49 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Gibson died on Monday at their home in Longmont, Colorado, surrounded by their loved ones, including their wife, Meg, four ex-girlfriends, their mother and father, dozens of friends, and their three beloved dogs.

The documentary film "Come See Me in the Good Light," which won the Festival Favorite Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, followed Gibson's journey as they came to terms with their terminal cancer diagnosis.

Tig Notaro, a producer on the film, paid tribute to Gibson on Instagram, saying, "As far as poetry went, I really only knew the roses are red type stuff. Then, Andrea Gibson walked on stage... Andrea was truly a rock star poet. So many of Andrea's words have quietly guided me through life's twists and turns- I will forever be so grateful."

Gibson was a two-time winner of the Independent Publisher's award and was named the ninth Poet Laureate of Colorado in 2023. They were known for their fierce conviction and inspiring others to pursue art and take action towards solving social issues.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis remembered Gibson as "one of a kind" and an artist who "will be deeply missed."

In 2008, Gibson won the first-ever Women of the World Poetry Slam, and according to their Academy of American Poets profile, they received its Laureate Fellowship in 2024.

Gibson's legacy will continue to live on through their poetry and activism, inspiring others to pursue art and take action towards creating positive change.