Andrea Gibson, Celebrated Colorado Poet Laureate, Dies at 49 After Cancer Battle

Andrea Gibson, the acclaimed poet and Colorado’s poet laureate, died peacefully on July 14, 2025, at their home in Boulder after a courageous four-year battle with ovarian cancer. They were 49 years old.

Known for their powerful spoken-word poetry addressing gender identity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ issues, Gibson used their platform to advocate for marginalized communities. Their death was announced on social media by their wife, Megan Falley, highlighting that Gibson was surrounded by loved ones including family, friends, four former girlfriends, and their three dogs.

Born in Calais, Maine, in 1975, Gibson moved to Colorado in the late 1990s and rose to prominence through poetry slams, winning multiple championships. They published several poetry collections, including You Better Be Lightning and Lord of the Butterflies, and served as Colorado’s 10th poet laureate since 2023.

Governor Jared Polis mourned the loss, saying Gibson “personified Colorado’s spirit” and inspired many through art and advocacy.

Gibson’s life and battle with cancer were chronicled in the forthcoming documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, winner of Sundance Film Festival’s Festival Favorite Award, slated to debut on Apple TV+ this fall.

Their legacy lives on through their poetry, activism, and lasting impact on the arts and LGBTQ+ communities.