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TobyMac has released a special song in memory of Gabe Patillo, a TobyMac Diverse City member who died last year after a battle with cancer.
Gabriel Patillo was a multi-talented man who, by the age of 10, was dancing onstage alongside DC Talk. He also performed in music videos for Brentwood Music and worked as a theatre kid for Opryland, all before age 15.
As he grew into an adult, and with inspiration from his father, who was also in the entertainment business, Gabriel joined TobyMac's Diverse City team, singing background vocals, choreographing, dancing and co-producing tours.
On April 12, 2024, Patillo passed away following a battle with cancer.
On Friday, TobyMac released a new deeply personal single called "Goodbye," a tribute to Patillo.
"I wish everyone knew Gabe Patillo," said TobyMac. "I wish everyone could walk with him, get challenged by him, collaborate with him, laugh with him, pray with him, meditate on scripture with him and be loved by him."
In the chorus, he repeats the same line multiple times, saying, "I wish I could've said goodbye."
The video features memories that the pair shared on stage. At the end of the video, he shares a bit about Gabe.
“Gabriel Patillo was a founding member of the DiverseCity Band. He toured for 25 years. He is a renowned performer. But overshadowing his greatness on stage was the backstage friend that he was to all who were privileged enough to glean from the wisdom that he offered so generously.”
Patillo was 42 when he passed away.