Drag Race stars, friends, and peers mourn Gabe Lopez's death

Singer, songwriter, and producer Gabe Lopez has passed away after battling lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, for several years. Between creating original songs for RuPaul's Drag Race universe, collaborating with Leland on several other projects, and working with pop music icons, Lopez leaves behind a legacy in music created by and for people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Lopez's family wrote in a statement: "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. 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."

"In the coming days we will share a post about Gabe and what he meant to us. As we make arrangements to celebrate his life and love we will share those with you. Gabe has so many wonderful people in his life. This is a deeply felt loss for all of us but Gabe would want everyone to cherish the good memories and hold him forever in our hearts."

Lopez's mother added, "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."

"We love you so much Gabe," the statement concluded. "And we will greatly miss you and your boundless love. You were a gift to everyone who knew you."

Leland

Matt Rogers has also shared Instagram Stories mourning Gabe Lopez's passing. Notably, Lopez collaborated on eight songs from Rogers's Have You Heard of Christmas? album.

Rogers wrote, "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."

"Every time you interacted with him, he had a huge smile and a thoughtful, kind thing to say that often seemed to come out of nowhere but was always so meaningful," the comedian, actor, and recording artist added. "I will always remember talking about music with him and creating some of my favorite pieces together. He was a wizard at what he did and a deeply talented artist."

"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 continued.

Rogers also sent a message to Leland, who worked alongside Lopez on numerous different projects. "I take this as yet another reminder in a deeply dark time that what matters is our people and our health and our joy," he wrote. "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."

For context, Lopez and Leland were the two coproducers behind the viral Ben Platt cover of "Diet Pepsi" (originally by Addison Rae) that premiered during the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards.

Whether or not RuPaul's Drag Race fans knew Lopez by name, they certainly enjoyed his work over the years on making music for the Drag Race franchise. That list of Drag Race hits includes:

• Sasha Colby's "GODDESS" — U.S. season 15
• Willow Pill's "I Hate People" — U.S. season 14
• Songs from The Wicked Wiz of Oz Rusical — U.S. season 17
• Songs from Joan! The Unauthorized Rusical — U.S. All Stars season 8
• Songs from Wigloose The Rusical! — U.S. season 15
• Jewels Sparkles's "Ding" — U.S. season 17
• Nymphia Wind's "Queen of Wind" — U.S. season 16
• Rumix, "I Made It/ Mirror Song/ Losing is the New Winning (Las Vegas Medley)" — U.S. season 12
• Plane Jane's "Bodysuit" — U.S. season 16
• Anetra's "Lotus" — U.S. season 15
• Songs arranged for the "Halftime Headliners" Rusical — U.S. All Stars season 6
• Songs for the U.K. season 1 girl group Frock Destroyers

Given his years-long contributions to the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, Lopez was also honored by World of Wonder — the production company the series.

"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."

The comments section under the World of Wonder post includes various heartbreaking responses and reactions.

These comments have come from Vanessa Williams, Paris Hilton, Trixie Mattel, Blu Hydrangea, Jackie Cox, Freddy Scott, and Dave Mizzoni, to name a few.

Other celebrities who left comments to honor Lopez's life and legacy include Jamal Sims, Michelle Visage, Loosey LaDuca, Miss Benny, Jane Don't, Kenya Pleaser, Jim Verraros, Divina De Campo, and Darlene Mitchell.

The post has also been shared numerous times via Instagram Stories.