Updated Jan. 13, 2026, 12:35 p.m. ET
Scott Adams, the author and cartoonist whose "Dilbert" comic strip satirized corporate life to wide acclaim before racist comments he made sidelined him, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 68.
Adams' ex-wife, Shelly Miles, confirmed Adams' death during a livestream on the "Real Coffee with Scott Adams" show on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
"Hi, everyone. Unfortunately, this isn't good news," Miles said. "Of course, he waited 'til just before the show started, but he's not with us anymore."
Adams shared in May that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. During a New Year's Day broadcast of "Real Coffee with Scott Adams," Adams revealed that his health outlook had worsened, telling fans that his chances of recovery were "essentially zero."
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Adams for comment.
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Following the announcement of Adams' death, Miles read a "final message" from the cartoonist, which he wrote on New Year's Day.
"If you are reading this, things did not go well for me," Adams wrote. "I have a few things to say before I go. My body fell before my brain. … If you wonder about any of my choices for my estate or anything else, please know I'm free of any crazen or any inappropriate influence of any sort, I promise."
Adams also revealed in the open letter that he was dedicating his life to Jesus Christ at the persuasion of his Christian friends (Adams described himself as "not a believer").
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