Jill Sobule passed away: Cause of death and net worth of the ‘I Kissed a Girl’ singer
Jill Sobule’s artistic voice helped define a moment in pop history when queer themes were far from common in mainstream music
The sudden and tragic passing of Jill Sobule has led to an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow artists, and the LGBTQ+ community. The acclaimed singer-songwriter, whose 1995 hit I Kissed a Girl is widely recognized as a pioneering anthem of queer visibility in mainstream music, died in a house fire on Thursday morning in Woodbury, Minnesota. She was 66.
Following the news of her death, searches for “Jill Sobule passed away: Cause of death and net worth of the ‘I Kissed a Girl’ singer” have surged on Google, reflecting widespread shock and interest in her life, legacy, and contributions to music and human rights.
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What Caused Jill Sobule’s Death?
According to reports confirmed by her publicist, Jill Sobule died in a residential house fire early Thursday morning. The Woodbury Public Safety Department responded to the blaze at approximately 5:30 a.m. in the suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames, and later discovered the body of a woman in her 60s inside the residence.
The woman was identified as Jill Sobule, who had been staying with friends in Minnesota while preparing for an upcoming performance. The official cause of the fire is still under investigation, and local authorities have not released further details.
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Why Was Jill Sobule in Minnesota at the Time of Her Death?
Sobule had been rehearsing for an upcoming show scheduled to take place at the Swallow Hill Music venue in her hometown of Denver, Colorado. The performance was meant to showcase songs from her autobiographical stage musical Fck7thGrade*, a deeply personal project that explored themes of identity, adolescence, and acceptance.
In light of her passing, a free and informal gathering will now be held in her honor, allowing friends, fans, and colleagues to pay tribute to her remarkable life and career.
What Was Jill Sobule Known For?
Jill Sobule’s influence in music extended far beyond her 1990s commercial success. Born in 1959, she built a multi-decade career writing music that tackled complex social themes, including LGBTQ+ rights, the death penalty, and mental health.
Her self-titled 1995 album featured two of her most iconic songs: Supermodel, famously included in the coming-of-age film Clueless, and I Kissed a Girl, a groundbreaking pop song that brought queer themes to mainstream radio. Unlike the more provocative 2008 hit of the same name by Katy Perry, Sobule’s song told a more nuanced, autobiographical story.
She also contributed music for television, including the theme for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous, and pioneered crowdfunding as a model for independent artists looking to produce new work outside the traditional industry system.
What Was Jill Sobule’s Net Worth?
Amid the spike in interest surrounding her death, one of the most commonly searched questions has been: What was Jill Sobule’s net worth? However, there is no confirmed public information regarding her financial status, and trusted celebrity finance databases such as Celebrity Net Worth have not provided an estimate.
While it is clear that Sobule enjoyed sustained artistic success over three decades—including album releases, tours, and television work—she remained largely outside the commercial mainstream, often prioritizing creative control and activism over financial gain.
How Are Fans and Fellow Artists Reacting?
Social media has become a memorial ground for those touched by Sobule’s music. Tributes have flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with musicians, actors, and fans sharing their condolences and favorite memories.
British artist Lloyd Cole expressed his sorrow, writing: “I’m really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us.”
Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper also honored Sobule’s role as a cultural changemaker, saying: “She paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty… she changed the soundtrack – and the conversation.”
Actress Carrie Coon posted simply: “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”
Her manager, John Porter, summed up the sentiment shared by many: “I lost a client & a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
