Jill Sobule, the pioneering American singer-songwriter best known for her 1995 breakthrough hit I Kissed a Girl, has tragically died at the age of 66 following a devastating house fire in Minnesota. The fire occurred early Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, in Woodbury, a suburb of Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that Sobule was at home when the fire broke out and was unable to escape.
The sudden loss of Jill Sobule has sent shockwaves across the music industry and among fans worldwide. Her groundbreaking single I Kissed a Girl is widely credited as the first openly gay-themed song to enter the Billboard Top 20, making her a pioneer in both pop music and LGBTQ representation. Long before similar themes became more mainstream, Sobule gave voice to a generation of listeners looking for honest expression and visibility.
Sobule’s impact went far beyond one hit. Over the course of her three-decade career, she released 12 studio albums covering a diverse range of topics including mental health, political satire, social justice, and personal relationships. Other notable tracks include Supermodel, featured in the hit film Clueless, and her powerful ballads about adolescent angst, feminism, and societal change.
In recent years, Sobule also turned to theater, writing and performing in the off-Broadway musical F** 7th Grade*, a coming-of-age autobiographical story that received widespread acclaim. She remained active in the music and performing arts scene and was scheduled to perform in Denver this week.
Her team released a heartfelt statement:
“Jill Sobule was a force of nature. She was fearless in her artistry, a generous collaborator, and a fierce advocate for change. Her music changed lives and inspired countless people across generations.”
Fans, fellow musicians, and LGBTQ activists have taken to social media to mourn her passing and celebrate her lasting legacy. Tributes are pouring in, praising her bold storytelling, sensitive songwriting, and unwavering commitment to human rights.
Local fire authorities are currently investigating the cause of the house fire, and preliminary reports indicate it may have started due to an electrical fault. No foul play is suspected at this time.
A memorial concert is being planned in Denver, which will feature performances from friends and collaborators. A full public service is expected to be announced later this summer.
Jill Sobule leaves behind a powerful legacy in both music and social change. Her influence on pop culture, LGBTQ representation, and independent artistry will continue to resonate for generations to come.