Brian Wilson recently announced the passing of his beloved wife of 28 years, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, in an emotional and heartfelt Instagram post. The singer and his kids remain heartbroken over the tragedy.
Melinda and Brian Wilson, dated January 2024 | Source: Instagram/BrianWilsonLive
Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson revealed the passing of his 77-year-old wife on Tuesday. The musician posted two photos of his wife on Instagram, including a throwback picture she took with him, alongside a lengthy caption of his announcement.
“My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost,” the musician wrote.
Brian noted Melinda’s role in his life, calling her his “savior,” “anchor,” and source of encouragement. “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,” he added.
Melinda peacefully took her last breath in their home on Tuesday morning. However, details, such as the cause of her death, were not revealed in the post. Despite his loss, Brian holds on to his fond memories with his late wife.
Melinda, Brian, Dash, Dakota, Dillon, and Daria Wilson at the premiere of “Love & Mercy” on June 2, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
He and Melinda met at a car dealership in the 80s when she sold him a Cadillac. He was immediately attracted to her beauty and thought he would see her again. Meanwhile, Melinda noticed his pleasant personality and felt a similar attraction.
Despite Brian’s personal issues and troubles, Melinda still fell in love with him. Soon, their on-again-off-agin relationship began, which ultimately led to a breakup.
Brian Wilson and Melinda Ledbetter at the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival on February 8, 2015, in Berlin, Germany. | Source: Getty Images
Brian Wilson and Melinda Wilson at the premiere of “Love & Mercy” on June 2, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, fate brought them back together in 1992, when they bumped into each other again and rekindled their romance. They have since been inseparable.
The couple tied the knot in 1995 and adopted five kids: Dash, Dylan, Delanie Rose, Daria Rose, and Dakota Rose, whom they loved and raised as their own. They have praised each other throughout the years, noting their relationship was different.
Another recent passing in January is that of the Shangri-Las singer Mary Weiss. The beloved artist was in her 70s and survived by her husband.