His family expressed their sorrow on Instagram, stating, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, Brian Wilson.”
The family’s message added, “At this moment, words escape us. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.
In conclusion, they shared, “While we grieve with the world, we ask for your Love & Mercy.”
The Instagram post featured a joyful photo of Wilson outdoors, seated on a bench, dressed in an orange shirt, black shorts, and sneakers.
The family’s announcement did not disclose the cause of his death.
It was reported last year that Wilson was battling a “major neurocognitive disorder, such as dementia.”
In February 2024, after the death of his wife and healthcare proxy, Melinda Ledbetter, at 77, his family moved to establish a conservatorship for him.
Wilson and Ledbetter, who were together from 1995 until 2024, adopted five children: Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash, and Dakota Rose.
Wilson also had two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, with his first wife, Marilyn Rovell. He leaves behind his seven children.
Wilson founded The Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. He was just 19 when they started the band, initially named the Pendletones.
They debuted with their album “Surfin’ Safari” in 1962 and soared to fame with “Surfin’ USA” in 1963.
By 1964, Wilson stopped touring to focus on songwriting and production, which led to the creation of the iconic album “Pet Sounds.”
Wilson’s career experienced several highs and lows, marked by his struggles with mental health and periods of seclusion, interspersed with comebacks.
Between 1999 and 2022, he toured solo, during which he won two Grammys out of nine nominations. His last performance was in Michigan in 2022, where he performed classics like “Help Me Rhonda” and “California Girls.”
Wilson, inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, is remembered as a pivotal figure in music history.
