UPDATE: Scott Adams, the creator of the beloved comic strip 'Dilbert' has passed away at age 68 from cancer.
Scott Adams, the 68-year-old creator of the widely recognized comic strip 'Dilbert', is now in hospice care at his residence, facing an aggressive form of prostate cancer. This news was disclosed by his ex-wife, Shelly Adams. According to Shelly, the cartoonist's health has significantly declined in recent days, prompting the need for end-of-life care which began over the past week.
Family members, including Shelly Adams, her sister, and Adams' stepdaughter, have been tending to him continuously. Additionally, nurses are regularly visiting to assist with his hospice treatment. Adams first publicly revealed his metastatic cancer diagnosis in May 2025, acknowledging that his chances of recovery were virtually nonexistent.
During the first week of 2026, Adams shared on a podcast episode that his health struggles had expanded to include heart failure and loss of sensation in his legs, alongside respiratory difficulties which he described as occasional breathing challenges during the day. Despite these health issues and intermittent confusion, Adams has remained professionally active, recently recording what is anticipated to be his last podcast episode, in which he confronts his health deterioration head-on.
Adams, known for his conservative political views, has previously expressed his determination to continue working as long as possible, adopting a stance of normalcy and utilizing painkillers and medical marijuana to manage his condition. His resolve was apparent earlier this month when he indicated that January might be a pivotal month, hinting at the severity of his prognosis.
The cartoonist, who had been married twice, is currently under the care of his first wife, Shelly Adams. His second marriage, to pilot Kristina Basham, ended in March 2022. Despite his diagnosis, Adams pledged to keep working on 'Dilbert' and other projects for as long as he could. The comic strip, which began syndication in 1989 until 2023, continues as a webcomic titled 'Dilbert Reborn'.
In a recent development, Adams announced his intention to convert to Christianity in his remaining time, signaling a personal transition during this challenging period. His commentary has also touched on the public's reaction to President Joe Biden's similar health issue, highlighting the political tension and lack of sympathy from some quarters.
President Donald Trump, whom Adams has supported since the 2016 campaign, provided assistance following his second electoral victory. Trump helped Adams obtain Pluvicto, a newly FDA-approved drug, after Adams sought help on the social platform Truth Social, to which the President responded promptly. Unfortunately, the treatment did not yield the hoped-for results, and Adams shared in December that he had become paralyzed below the waist after radiation treatments.
Scott Adams' journey has been marked by his contributions to popular culture, political commentary, and a personal battle with a severe illness. His work and current situation have garnered widespread attention, reflecting the impact of his career and the human experience of facing terminal disease with dignity and openness.
