Hayley Williams is the fiery voice behind Paramore — a pop-punk legend whose music, hair, and activism have shaped the emo generation. Born on December 27, 1988, in Meridian, Mississippi, she rose to fame as the lead singer of Paramore, co-founding the band at just 15. With six studio albums, including the Grammy-winning Paramore (2013), Hayley has cemented her legacy in rock and alternative music.
Outside of Paramore, Hayley launched a solo career with Petals for Armor and Flowers for Vases, and built an empire with her hair dye brand, Good Dye Young. In 2025, she stunned fans by quietly dropping 17 unreleased songs, including Mirtazapine, through a secret code on the Good Dye Young website. A bold voice in politics and culture, she continues to inspire a new era of fans.
Hayley Williams Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Hayley Nichole Williams |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1988 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years old |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Hometown | Meridian, Mississippi, USA |
| Current Residence | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| @yelyahwilliams |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5’2” (157 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Natural blonde (often dyed ginger or neon) |
Early Life
Born to Cristi and Joey Williams, Hayley’s childhood was marked by her parents’ divorce, which led her to Franklin, Tennessee at age 13. There, her musical journey truly began. She met future Paramore bandmates Josh and Zac Farro, and took vocal lessons with Brett Manning, sharpening the powerhouse vocals that fans adore today.
As a teen, Hayley joined a funk band called The Factory, where she met bassist Jeremy Davis. By 14, she was discovered by talent managers and began writing songs in Nashville. Despite early industry pressure to go solo as a pop act, Hayley insisted on forming a band — Paramore was born from that decision.
Education
Hayley attended Franklin High School, where she juggled early fame and teenage life. She never attended college, instead throwing herself into Paramore’s rise full-time. Her voice was refined under the mentorship of vocal coach Brett Manning.
Family Details
| Relation | Name/Info |
| Mother | Cristi Williams |
| Father | Joey Williams |
| Siblings | Two younger half-sisters |
| Ex-Spouse | Chad Gilbert (m. 2016, div. 2017) |
| Pets | Dog named Alf |
Hayley keeps her personal life relatively private, though her fans are familiar with her deep love for her dog Alf and her past marriage to New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert. Her family occasionally appears in her social media and interviews.
Career
Paramore: The Breakout Years
Hayley co-founded Paramore in 2004 at age 15. The band’s debut album All We Know Is Falling (2005) introduced their emo-rock sound, but it was Riot! (2007) that turned them into global stars. Tracks like “Misery Business” and “That’s What You Get” became anthems for an entire generation.
Their later albums — Brand New Eyes (2009), Paramore (2013), After Laughter (2017), and This Is Why (2023) — showed her evolving artistry. In 2015, Paramore won a Grammy Award for “Ain’t It Fun,” solidifying their legacy in alt-rock.
Solo Projects & Good Dye Young
In 2020, Hayley launched her solo debut Petals for Armor, followed by Flowers for Vases / Descansos in 2021. Both albums reflected deeper personal themes and stripped-down production. That same year, she launched her hair dye brand, Good Dye Young, co-founded with her stylist Brian O’Connor, capturing her signature vibrant aesthetic.
In July 2025, she quietly released 17 new tracks, including Mirtazapine, through a secret code hidden on the Good Dye Young website. She also performed the song live with Bleachers at the Newport Folk Festival, hinting at more solo work ahead.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Paramore Formation | Co-founded in 2004 (age 15) |
| Grammy Win | Best Rock Song – “Ain’t It Fun” (2015) |
| Solo Albums | Petals for Armor (2020), Flowers for Vases (2021) |
| Surprise Drop | 17 unreleased songs via Good Dye Young (2025) |
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $14–$20 million |
| Primary Sources | Paramore royalties, solo music, Good Dye Young |
| Key Assets | Nashville home, beauty brand ownership |
Hayley’s wealth stems from over two decades in the music industry, successful tours, royalties, and her entrepreneurial ventures. Good Dye Young adds a steady stream of income, alongside merchandise and digital sales.
Controversies
- Christian Music Critique (2025): Hayley’s blunt comments about sexual abuse in the Christian music scene sparked backlash. She stated, “I hope the CCM industry crumbles,” following abuse allegations involving Michael Tait.
- Political Outspokenness: Her 2023 viral remark — “If you vote for Ron DeSantis, you’re f##ing dead to me”* — drew conservative criticism.
- Warped Tour Callout (2024): Hayley’s criticism of the Warped Tour’s past misogyny triggered debate, especially given her appearance at When We Were Young Fest. Some accused her of hypocrisy, while others praised her honesty.
Recent Updates
- July 2025: Released 17 new songs, including Mirtazapine, via a secret code on the Good Dye Young website.
- July 2025: Performed Mirtazapine with Bleachers at Newport Folk Festival.
- April 2025: Provided backing vocals on Turnstile’s track SEEIN’ STARS.
- January 2025: Announced a solo tour to revisit Petals for Armor live.