Singer and RPDR Producer Gabe Lopez Dies at 49 After Lymphoma Battle

Gabe Lopez, a singer, songwriter, and producer whose work deeply enriched the LGBTQ+ music scene, died on Sunday, January 25, 2026, after a brief but intense battle with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was 49.

Lopez's mother, Connie Howard, shared the news in a family statement posted to his verified Instagram account on Monday. "Dear friends, family and fans of Gabe Lopez, I am Connie Howard, Gabe's mom, with a message from his family. On Sunday afternoon January 25, 2026 our loving, kind, talented, hilarious Gabe lost his brief but intense battle with lymphoma," the statement read. "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."

Howard noted that Lopez was preparing to release a new album titled Sparks. "Gabe was about to put out another album, to be titled Sparks. With the support of his friends in the music industry the album will be released soon. Gabe's lyrics have always been personal and we hope that you will listen to his songs when they are out and hear his love of music and his passion for living," she added. The statement concluded: "We love you so much Gabe. And we will greatly miss you and your boundless love. You were a gift to everyone who knew you."

Based in Los Angeles, Lopez built a prolific career bridging onstage artistry and behind-the-scenes production, with significant ties to queer media and music. He was widely recognized for creating original songs for the RuPaul's Drag Race universe, including Rusicals, and expanded his role in 2019 to produce music for RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas at The Flamingo, which opened in January 2020. His contributions extended to television series such as The Other Two and Gayme Show, as well as collaborations with pop icons.

Lopez frequently partnered with queer artists, including producer Leland , with whom he co-produced the viral Ben Platt cover of "Diet Pepsi" that premiered at the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards. He also co-produced eight songs on Matt Rogers's album Have You Heard of Christmas?, worked on The Culture Awards, and contributed to various projects. Rogers shared his grief on Instagram Stories: "Gabe co-produced my album alongside @leland, worked on The Culture Awards, and gave so much of his unbelievable talent and valuable time and positive energy to countless songs, projects and environments." He continued, "My heart is broken not only because he had so much more to give artistically and creatively, and because everyone adored him so much, but because the world is without his kind light at the hands of cancer which is so unfair and merciless." Rogers added a message to Leland: "I take this as yet another reminder in a deeply dark time that what matters is our people and our health and our joy. I will always love you Gabe and I will miss you. Thank you for what you gave to the world and will continue to inspire in those who knew you. And I love you @leland."

Leland also posted a statement on Instagram mourning Lopez. World of Wonder, the production company behind RuPaul's Drag Race, issued a statement: "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 on the world — through RuPaul's Drag Race and beyond — is immeasurable. We mourn a great talent and an even greater friend. His melodies play on in all of us."

Tributes flooded in from Drag Race alumni and peers, highlighting Lopez's impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Blu Hydrangea wrote, "Devastating to hear, sending so much love he was a true gem." Songwriter Diane Warren reacted, "Oh no, this is horrible and heartbreaking, shocking news. Sending love to You." Mayan Lopez shared, "My heart is shattered… my fellow Lopez… we love you so much.. I’ll visit you in the music." Taiga Brava added, "He will be forever missed. ❤️🩹✨ My condolences and forever grateful for having spent time together and have worked alongside such an incredible person and artist."

Lopez also collaborated extensively with Belinda Carlisle, producing her last two albums over 12 years. Carlisle posted, "my beautiful friend, creative collaborator and producer of my last two albums, and an incredible artist in his own right… I can’t remember being in so much pain… Godspeed, Gabe -- you were always an angel, now it’s time to soar." He produced vocals on "Club Zero" by the Go-Go’s for their 2020 documentary.

Fans and friends echoed sentiments of loss, with comments like "Gabe was too good for this world" and praise for his kindness, noting his music's enduring resonance in LGBTQ+ spaces. Jim Verraros wrote, "@gabelopez you changed my life for the better." Freddy Scott called him "the nicest human I’ve ever met, an immensely talented collaborator." Lopez's legacy as a supportive figure in queer entertainment endures through his music and the lives he touched.