Jill Sobule, acclaimed for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” dies at 66 in a Minnesota house fire.

Jill Sobule, the pioneering singer-songwriter renowned for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away at the age of 66 due to a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, on May 1, 2025. Her death was confirmed by her manager, John Porter, who remembered her as a force of nature and a human rights advocate.

A Musical Legacy

Born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, Sobule’s music career spanned nearly four decades. She gained widespread recognition with “I Kissed a Girl,” a song celebrated for its openly queer theme, making it one of the first of its kind to reach the Billboard Top 20. Another notable track, “Supermodel,” featured in the 1995 film “Clueless,” further cemented her place in pop culture.

Throughout her career, Sobule released 12 albums, addressing topics ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to eating disorders. She was also a pioneer in music crowdfunding, raising $75,000 in 2009 for her album “California Years.”

Beyond Music

Sobule’s talents extended to theatre with her autobiographical musical “F*ck 7th Grade,” which received a Drama Desk nomination. A cast recording of the musical is set for release on June 6, 2025.

Remembering Jill Sobule

Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver the day after her passing. That concert will now serve as an impromptu memorial. She is survived by her brother James, sister-in-law Mary, and two nephews. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.