Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson Shares Sad News of His Wife’s Death
Brian Wilson announced that his beloved wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson has passed away at the age of 77. The 81-year-old wrote, “Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy Brian.”
View this post on Instagram
Their children added, “She was a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by. She was not only a model, our father’s savior, and a mother, she was a woman empowered by her spirit with a mission to better everyone she touched. We will miss her but cherish everything she has taught us. How to take care of the person next to you with out expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest of places, and how to live life as your truest self with honesty and pride. We love you mom. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love.”
She reportedly died peacefully at home. Brian and Melinda were married for 28 years. They met when she sold him a Cadillac in 1986 and they wed in 1995. The couple went on to adopt five children: Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash. Back in 2014, their love story was told in the movie Love & Mercy. The film also shared the details of Brian’s struggles with mental illness and how Melinda saved him from a tumultuous relationship with his therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.
Todd Williamson/Getty Images for Roadside Attraction
Elizabeth Banks, who played Melinda in Love & Mercy, once shared that Melinda told her, “She said to me, ‘Music is his first love. Nothing can replace it. It’s his being, it’s his essence, it’s his everything, So I’m settling for second, but it’s a pretty good — it’s a pretty good second.” May she rest in peace.
Beach Boys Mike Love & Al Jardine Share Heartfelt Condolences Following the Death of Brian Wilson’s Wife
After Brian Wilson’s sad announcement Wednesday, January 31, that his wife of 28 years, Melinda, had passed away at age 77, his fellow Beach Boys co-founders Mike Love and Al Jardine took to their social media pages post heartfelt condolence messages.
Love has long had a strained relationship with Wilson, but he clearly put hostilities aside in a lengthy note expressing nothing but love and support for Brian, who is his first cousin.
Love’s Condolence Message
“Our hearts are completely broken upon hearing about Melinda’s untimely passing,” Love wrote. “I want you to know how deeply cherished you are and that you are surrounded by an ocean of love during this trying time, with [my wife] Jacquelyne and me right by your side.”
The 82-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer then shared, “Brian, we have so many wonderful life memories that warm my heart. I remember being there at your wedding to Melinda, witnessing the growth of your family – from just the two of you to a home of five children, in addition to the radiant Carnie & Wendy [Wison’s daughters from his first marriage].”
Love also reflected on “the ecstatic highs” he experienced during The Beach Boys’ 50th anniversary tour in 2012, which featured all of the group’s surviving core members.
“I still recall how Melinda and Jacquelyne poured their hearts and souls into organizing over 70 shows, bringing untold happiness to our fans,” he offered. “Through all life’s highs and lows, including the loss of [Brian’s brothers] Dennis [and] Carl, and our parents – one thing remains constant: we are family, and I will always be there for you.”
Love added, “Facing this immense loss is undoubtedly one of our most challenging times, but as your cousin, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our music and togetherness have carried us through the toughest moments.”
He concluded his message by sharing, “In your deepest grief, Brian, remember that you are wrapped in love, always and unconditionally. Jacquelyne and I want you to know we are here to support you in any way you need. We will always remember Melinda lovingly, for loving you. May Melinda rest in eternal peace and harmony.”
Jardine’s Condolence Message
In contrast to Love’s contentious relationship with Wilson, Jardine has remained close with the Beach Boys mastermind, and has been part of Brian’s touring band since the band’s 2012 reunion trek ended.
Following Melinda’s death, Jardine and his wife, Mary Ann, posted a joint condolence note.
“We are very saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Brian’s loving wife Melinda,” they wrote. “We know what an important role she played in Brian’s life, career and love of music. Our hearts go out to Brian, their children Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota, everyone close to the family and all their friends.”
The Jardines added, “Brian, we will always remember Melinda and are here for you if you need us.”
Nancy Sinatra Sends Condolences
Also expressing sympathy to Wilson was 1960s pop star Nancy Sinatra, daughter of the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra.
“I was so saddened to hear the news of Melinda Wilson’s passing,” she wrote in a post on her social media. “She was such a blessing to Brian—his angel, his rock. I know he will miss her terribly. Sending love and peace to Brian and the family at this most difficult time.”
Accompanying the note was a photo of Nancy with Brian and Melinda.
About Melinda Wilson
As previously reported, Melinda Wilson died at home on Wednesday morning. No cause of death has been announced. Melinda, who married Brian in 1995, also became his manager not long after they wed. She is widely credited with helping Wilson revitalize his touring and recording career during the last few decades.
View this post on Instagram
