By VK 
Jill Sobule, Singer of “I Kissed a Girl,” Dies in House
Fire at 66
Jill Sobule, the singer and songwriter known for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died in a
tragic house fire. She was 66 years old. The fire happened at her home in Woodbury,
Minnesota, on May 1, 2025. Her manager, John Porter, confirmed the sad news. The
exact cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Jill became famous for “I Kissed a Girl”, a bold song about same-sex love that came out in the
1990s — a time when few artists talked openly about LGBTQ+ topics. The song reached the
Top 20 on the Billboard charts and made her a pioneer in pop music.
Another popular song of hers, “Supermodel,” was featured in the 1995 teen movie Clueless,
and gained her even more fans.
Her Career and Life
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Born: January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado
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She made 12 studio albums and several EPs
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Known for writing honest, witty, and personal songs
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In 2009, she released California Years — an album funded entirely by her fans
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She also created a musical called Fck 7th Grade*, which was nominated for a theater award. A recording of the show is scheduled to release in June 2025.
More Than Just a Musician
Jill wasn’t just known for her music — she used her platform to support LGBTQ+ rights,
mental health awareness, and social causes. Her songs often told personal stories and
connected deeply with people.
Tributes
Jill was supposed to perform in Denver just a day after her death. That show will now become a
tribute concert. A larger memorial is being planned for this summer.
She is survived by her brother James, sister-in-law Mary Ellen, and three nephews.
Her music and message will continue to inspire people for years to come.