Gilot suffered from lung and heart problems, his daughter Aurelia said. He spent ten years with the Spanish painter and they had two children together.
When they separated he wrote his memoirs which were a success. It is said that she was the only woman to leave him. The book was a best seller and despite its mostly friendly tone with his ex-partner – he dedicated it "to Pablo" – it infuriated Picasso, who withdrew the word, as well as the two children.