Scott Adams, the renowned creator of the Dilbert comic strip, has died at the age of 68 after a battle with aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during an emotional livestream of his YouTube show, *Real Coffee with Scott Adams*. His former wife, Shelly Miles, shared a poignant final message he had prepared just weeks before his death, revealing that he died peacefully at his home in Pleasanton, California.
In a letter dated January 1, 2026, Adams stunned many by confessing he had embraced Christianity in his final days. This shift in belief, he explained, stemmed from a pragmatic “risk-reward calculation,” reminiscent of Pascal’s Wager. Previously an agnostic, Adams had resisted faith despite encouragement from friends but reassessed his beliefs as he faced the end of his life.
In his letter, he candidly stated, “Many of my Christian friends have asked me to find Jesus before I go. I’m not a believer, but I have to admit the risk-reward calculation for doing so looks attractive.” He went on to affirm, “I accept Jesus Christ as my lord and saviour, and I look forward to spending an eternity with him.” Adams acknowledged his uncertainty but expressed hope for a positive outcome, saying that his doubts would be resolved if he “wake[s] up in heaven.”
Reflections on Life and Legacy
Beyond his newfound faith, Scott Adams reflected on the evolution of his purpose throughout his life. He described a previous phase focused on family, where he sought to be “a worthy husband and parent.” After his amicable divorce, he searched for a new direction, ultimately deciding to “donate” himself to the world. This decision marked a transition in his career from cartoonist to author of impactful books, such as *How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big* and *Win Bigly*. Adams noted that many readers credited his writings with changing their lives.
His daily podcast, *Coffee with Scott Adams*, became an unexpected source of community for those feeling isolated. Throughout his career, Adams maintained a significant digital following, despite facing controversies.
Adams publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, indicating that it was likely terminal. In his final months, he openly discussed his health challenges and the complications that led him to stop drawing *Dilbert* in person in November 2025 while continuing to write. His death resulted from complications related to the cancer.
In addition to his reflections on life, Adams became an advocate for the *Make America Healthy Again* (MAHA) movement. He made a public appeal to former President Donald Trump in November 2025, seeking assistance with insurance delays for his treatment. Trump responded promptly, and Adams later credited the intervention with allowing him to access the cancer drug Pluvicto, which he described as making his final months more tolerable.
A Lasting Impact
Scott Adams is best known for launching *Dilbert* in 1989, which became a cultural touchstone for many navigating office life. The comic strip’s sharp commentary on workplace frustrations resonated with millions, making it a staple in over 2,000 newspapers at its peak. Alongside his cartooning career, Adams established himself as a bestselling author and commentator, striving to provide value beyond the realm of comics.
In his final message, Adams encapsulated his life’s journey by stating, “I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had.” He urged his readers to continue his legacy by committing to be “useful” and to “pay it forward as best you can.”
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from readers and notable public figures. Former President Donald Trump honored Adams on Truth Social, praising him as a “fantastic guy” and a “Great Influencer” who fought bravely against his illness. Trump wrote, “He will be truly missed. God bless you, Scott!”
Scott Adams leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his cartooning. His final reflections serve as a reminder of the impact one individual can have in the lives of many, urging those he touched to continue spreading kindness and utility in the world.
