Gabe Lopez, the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer whose music lit up the world of RuPaul’s Drag Race and queer pop culture, has passed away after a private battle with lymphoma. He was 45.
Lopez, who collaborated with everyone from Leland to Matt Rogers and contributed dozens of iconic tracks to Drag Race, died on Sunday, January 25, 2026, following what his family described as a “brief but intense” fight with cancer of the lymphatic system.
“We Cannot Imagine Life Without His Joy and Laughter”
In a statement shared by his mother, Connie Howard, the family expressed heartbreak and gratitude:
“We the family are heartbroken to lose our deeply loved Gabe and cannot imagine life without his joy and laughter, his generous love and sincere kindness.”
She added that Lopez had been preparing to release a new album titled Sparks, and that the family, with help from Gabe’s music industry friends, plans to honour his wishes by releasing it posthumously.
“Gabe’s lyrics have always been personal… we hope that you will listen and hear his love of music and his passion for living.”
The Sound of a Generation: From Drag Race Hits to Queer Anthems
Though some Drag Race fans may not have known his name, they almost certainly knew his work. Over the years, Lopez co-wrote or produced numerous fan-favourite tracks and Rusicals, including:
- “GODDESS” — Sasha Colby (Season 15)
- “I Hate People” — Willow Pill (Season 14)
- “Bodysuit” — Plane Jane (Season 16)
- “Queen of Wind” — Nymphia Wind (Season 16)
- Multiple songs for The Wicked Wiz of Oz, Wigloose, and Joan! Rusicals
- “Lotus” — Anetra (Season 15)
- The Frock Destroyers’ U.K. girl group tracks (Season 1)
- Las Vegas medley from RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!
- “Ding” — Jewels Sparkles (Season 17)
- “Halftime Headliners” Rusical (All Stars 6)
His music was always rooted in theatricality, joy, and queerness — helping elevate the Drag Race franchise’s musical moments into viral sensations.
Tributes from Friends, Collaborators, and Celebrities
Following the news of Lopez’s passing, tributes poured in from celebrities, collaborators, and fans around the world.
Matt Rogers — whose 2025 album Have You Heard of Christmas? was co-produced by Lopez — wrote:
“He was a wizard at what he did and a deeply talented artist… I will always love you Gabe and I will miss you.”
He also called out the “unfair and merciless” nature of cancer, sharing his heartbreak for Lopez’s creative future cut short.
Leland, Lopez’s frequent creative partner, has not yet issued a formal statement but reposted several tributes via Instagram Stories, including messages of love from their Drag Race collaborators and friends.
“His Melodies Play On in All of Us” – World of Wonder
World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, wrote:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Gabe Lopez. Gabe was a unique combination of musical brilliance, kindness and sharp wit. His impact… is immeasurable.”
In the comments, fellow artists and drag stars expressed their condolences, including:
- Vanessa Williams
- Paris Hilton
- Trixie Mattel
- Michelle Visage
- Jackie Cox
- Divina De Campo
- Loosey LaDuca
- Miss Benny
- Jim Verraros
- Jamal Sims
- Kenya Pleaser, Freddy Scott, and many more.
His Final Album, Sparks, to Be Released Posthumously
Lopez was preparing to release a new album titled Sparks at the time of his passing. His mother confirmed that the album will still be released “soon,” with the support of his music industry collaborators.
“He was a gift to everyone who knew him,” she wrote. “We love you so much Gabe.”
Legacy of Love and Music
Gabe Lopez’s influence spanned music, television, and the LGBTQ+ community. His songs weren’t just catchy — they were campy, clever, theatrical, vulnerable, and joyfully queer. His work helped shape the sound of a generation of queer fans and performers.
As fans wait for Sparks, many are returning to his catalogue — not just to hear a beat, but to remember the heart behind the music.
He is survived by his family, his chosen family, and a global community of fans who will carry his melodies forward.
