A woman who claimed to be the secret daughter of the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury has died at the age of 48 following a long battle with a rare form of spinal cancer. Her widower Thomas confirmed that she passed away peacefully after years of treatment, leaving behind her husband and two young sons, aged nine and seven.
Known publicly only as “B” — and later identified as Bibi — she made headlines last year when her story became widely known through a new biography about Freddie Mercury. In statements released by her family, Bibi’s ashes were scattered over the Alps, a symbolic choice that her loved ones said reflected her deep connection to her father in spirit.
Claims About Her Identity and Connection to Mercury
Bibi’s existence first came to public attention in 2025, when biographer Lesley-Ann Jones published the book Love, Freddie, in which Bibi told her story for the first time. According to the biography, Bibi was born in 1976, conceived during an affair between Mercury and the wife of a close friend. The book also suggests that Freddie and Bibi maintained a close relationship until his death in 1991. Jones has said the biography is based on 17 volumes of Mercury’s personal journals that were said to have been entrusted to Bibi before his death. These journals, she claimed, detail Mercury’s thoughts, memories, and feelings about nearly every aspect of his life, including the time he spent with his daughter. In Love, Freddie, Bibi reportedly shared that Mercury affectionately called her “Bibi,” “trésor” (French for treasure), and even his “little froggie.” The book also claimed that two Queen songs — Bijou and Don’t Try So Hard — were written with her in mind.
Her Battle With Rare Spinal Cancer
Bibi’s death came after a prolonged fight with chordoma, a rare spinal cancer that is difficult to treat and often comes back after remission. Her husband said she fought the illness for many years, moving frequently in search of the best medical care available. Even as her health declined, her family said she remained committed to her personal story and to clarifying her father’s legacy. In interviews earlier this year, Bibi spoke about the challenges of living with her condition while striving to protect her family’s privacy. Her widower’s statement emphasized that she died “peacefully,” surrounded by love, and that she is now “with her beloved and loving father in the world of thoughts.”
Family and Legacy
Bibi’s sons were still young at the time of her death, and her family has said they plan to honor both her memory and the connection she claimed to share with Mercury. There have been reports that the family is considering sharing photographs or other personal items that reflect Bibi’s life and her relationship with her father. Friends and the book’s author described Bibi as a selfless and brave woman who worked for years with Jones not for fame or fortune but to tell her story and challenge how Mercury’s life had been portrayed in the past.
Public Reaction and Controversy
Despite the touching narrative shared in Love, Freddie, some long-time friends and members of Mercury’s inner circle have expressed doubt about the claims. Mercury’s lifelong partner Mary Austin stated publicly that she had no knowledge of a daughter, no record of the claimed journals, and couldn’t reconcile the story with her intimate knowledge of his life. Other voices, including Queen collaborators, have been more cautious, choosing not to confirm or fully endorse the narrative. Critics of the claim argue that key evidence, such as DNA verification, has not been publicly released. Some fans have also voiced skepticism about the timing and details of the revelations, wondering why such significant information was kept private for decades.
A Complex, Personal Story
Whether fully confirmed or viewed with skepticism, Bibi’s story has undeniably sparked interest and deepened discussions around the private life of one of rock’s most iconic frontmen. For many, her death at 48 is a poignant reminder of both her personal struggles and her claim to a unique place in Freddie Mercury’s life — one that, until now, had remained hidden from public view.
