Poet Andrea Gibson, a central figure in the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light,” is captured at the film’s premiere during the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, in Park City, Utah. Remembered for their exploration of themes such as gender identity, politics, and a courageous battle with terminal ovarian cancer lasting four years, Andrea Gibson passed away on Monday at the age of 49. The news of Gibson’s passing was shared on social media by their spouse, Megan Falley. Together, Gibson and Falley are the primary subjects of the award-winning documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light,” recognized with the Festival Favorite Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and set for release on Apple TV+ later this year.
“Andrea Gibson passed away in their Boulder, Colorado home, surrounded by their wife Meg, four former partners, their parents, numerous friends, and their cherished dogs,” read a portion of Monday’s announcement. The film delves into the enduring love between the couple as Gibson grapples with cancer, directed by Ryan White and featuring an original song co-written by Gibson, Sara Bareilles, and Brandi Carlile. At a poignant screening at Sundance in January that moved many to tears, Gibson expressed disbelief at living long enough to witness the creation of the documentary.
Following the news, touching tributes poured in from friends, admirers, and fellow poets who credited Gibson with transforming their lives and, in some instances, preserving them. Many within the LGBTQ+ community attested that Gibson’s poetry had fostered self-love, while individuals with illnesses, including cancer, felt less daunted by mortality through Gibson’s poignant reminders of the enduring connections we hold with loved ones. In a poem penned shortly before their passing, titled “Love Letter from the Afterlife,” Gibson poignantly reflected, “Dying is the opposite of leaving. When I left my body, I did not go away.”
Linda Williams Stay vividly recalled the profound impact of hearing Gibson perform at a San Francisco bar a decade ago with her son, Aiden. Gibson’s verse, characterized by its electrifying presence and emotional resonance, fostered a shared interest between mother and son and facilitated Stay’s deeper understanding when her son came out as transgender. The profound influence of Gibson’s poetry extended further when Stay, grappling with her own battle against cancer, found solace and strength in their words. This connection culminated in Gibson accepting an invitation to perform at an event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in southern Utah, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and allies alike.
Born in Maine and relocating to Colorado in the late 1990s, Gibson had served as the state’s poet laureate for the past two years. Their literary works, including titles like “You Better Be Lightning,” “Take Me With You,” and “Lord of the Butterflies,” have left a lasting impact on readers. Colorado Governor Jared Polis hailed
Andrea Gibson, who attended a Catholic college in Maine, identified as genderqueer and expressed feeling neither completely male nor female. In their poetry, they wrote about being happiest in the in-between spaces. Comedian Tig Notaro, a friend of Gibson for 25 years and an executive producer of a documentary about them, reminisced about their early days performing in Colorado. Notaro described Gibson’s performances as akin to witnessing the essence of an authentic rock star. Notaro reflected on the profound human connection experienced during the difficult final days of Gibson’s life, calling it a gift beyond words. Gibson’s illness inspired poignant poems about mortality, depression, and the afterlife. In one poem, Gibson found strength in embracing life’s inevitable storms as their medicine. Their reflections also explored the notion of remembering loved ones in the afterlife. To stay updated with more CNN news and newsletters, please create an account at CNN.com.
