Following a fight with breast cancer, famed music video director Diane Martel died at age 63.

 Death of Diane Martel: The music business was devastated by the passing of the groundbreaking and very influential music video director on September 18, 2025, at the age of 63. Martel died from breast cancer after a long and heroic battle. According to her family, she died softly at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City while surrounded by friends and family.

Martel's name is emblazoned throughout the history of modern music video production. Over the course of her multi-decade career, she helped define the visual aesthetic of multiple generations of pop, hip-hop, and R&B musicians. Martel, who is well known for her bold concepts and ability to push artistic boundaries, produced entertaining videos that also sparked cultural conversations.

She has directed some of the most recognizable and timeless works in the history of music. She and Mariah Carey co-wrote hits including "Dreamlover" and the classic "All I Want For Christmas Is You" for the holiday season. The hit song "Genie in a Bottle," which was partially credited to Martel's visual touch, boosted Christina Aguilera's career in the late 1990s.

Martel continued to develop in tandem with the upcoming generation of artists. She directed the controversial and groundbreaking 2013 music video for Miley Cyrus's song "We Can not Stop," which symbolized Cyrus's transition into maturity and artistic independence. She also directed Robin Thicke's 2013 chart-topper "Blurred Lines" music video, which is among the most talked-about and contentious of the decade. 

Outside of the mainstream, Martel has a big influence on hip-hop culture thanks to Onyx's unvarnished and

Her ability to switch between genres—from glossy pop anthems to gritty East Coast hip-hop—solidified her image as one of the most adaptable and gutsy directors in the business. For many musicians, Martel was more than just a filmmaker; he was a collaborator who brought their music to life via innovative storytelling, bold images, and ingenuity.

Tributes from all throughout the music industry poured in after her death was announced. "A forerunner who creates magic behind the lens" is how Ciara described Martel's artistic skills. Charli XCX called her "one of the greats," admitting that Martel's work inspired her own style of music graphics. Hip-hop artist DJ Premier also paid tribute to her, highlighting her role in the 1990s rap video era.

Beyond her well-known credits, Martel has a significant impact. In addition to inspiring countless aspiring filmmakers, she set new standards for what music videos might achieve as art and entertainment. Since her work continues to influence the creative direction of music visuals today, her legacy will last for many years to come.

Because of her vision, Diane Martel left behind not only her family and close friends but also a business that has never been the same. Even while her passing marks the end of an era, her contributions to music culture live on.