The world of comic strips and political commentary is mourning the loss of a titan. Scott Adams, the mastermind behind the iconic office-satire comic Dilbert, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was confirmed on January 13, 2026, by his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a poignant livestream on his YouTube channel, Real Coffee with Scott Adams.
Adams, who had been a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure for over three decades, succumbed to a long and public battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
The Battle with Cancer: A Public Farewell
In May 2025, Adams shocked his followers by announcing he had been diagnosed with the same aggressive form of prostate cancer as then-President Joe Biden. He was transparent about his health, frequently updating his "Coffee with Scott Adams" audience on his condition as the cancer spread to his bones.
In his final weeks, Adams entered hospice care. During the announcement of his passing, Shelly Miles read a prepared "final message" from the cartoonist:
"I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had... Be useful and please know I loved you all to the very end."
From Pacific Bell to Global Fame: The Rise of Dilbert
Before becoming a household name, Scott Adams was a corporate employee at Pacific Bell, where he spent years observing the absurdities of middle management. In 1989, he launched Dilbert, featuring the mouthless, bespectacled engineer with a perpetually upturned tie.
At its peak, Dilbert was a global phenomenon:
Syndication: Appeared in over 2,000 newspapers across 70 countries.
Translation: Published in 25 different languages.
Impact: Dilbert became the voice of the "cubicle dweller," poking fun at "The Peter Principle" and incompetent bosses.
A Legacy Divided: The 2023 Controversy
While Adams was celebrated for his wit, his later years were marked by significant controversy. In February 2023, the Dilbert strip was dropped by major publications—including the Washington Post and the USA Today network—after Adams made remarks on his YouTube show that were widely condemned as racist.
Adams described certain groups as "hate groups" and advised people to "get away" from them. Although he later defended his comments as hyperbole, the fallout effectively ended his mainstream syndication, leading him to move his content to subscription-based platforms like Locals.
Political Influence and Net Worth
In his final decade, Adams transitioned from a cartoonist to a prominent political commentator and "persuasion expert." He was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, who paid tribute to Adams on Tuesday, calling him a "fantastic guy" and a "brave fighter."
Scott Adams' Net Worth 2026:
According to recent reports, Adams' net worth is estimated at approximately $20 million to $75 million, accumulated through decades of book sales (including The Dilbert Principle), royalties, and his digital media ventures.
What Happens to Dilbert Now?
With the creator's passing, the future of Dilbert remains uncertain. While many of his works are archived, the "Dilbert" brand had already shifted toward a digital-first model in recent years. Fans and critics alike are now reflecting on a man who redefined workplace humor before becoming one of the most debated figures in modern digital culture.
FAQ about Scott Adams
What was Scott Adams' cause of death? He died from metastatic prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.
When did Scott Adams die? Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Was Scott Adams married? He was married twice, first to Shelly Miles (2006–2014) and later to Kristina Basham (2020–2022).
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