The Beach Boys founder’s death at 82 years old was announced on Wednesday, June 11
NEED TO KNOW
- Months before his death, Brian Wilson was photographed in Glenn Frey’s recording studio
- The Beach Boys’ founder’s death was announced on Wednesday, June 11
- He was 82 years old, less than a month away from his 83rd birthday on June 20
Brian Wilson
was in the recording studio months before his death.
The
final recent Instagram post
from the
Beach Boys
founder featured him tinkering in late Eagle Glenn Frey’s studio with his
daughter Carnie
‘s husband Rob Bonfiglio and others.
“Look who’s in the studio! Brian with Debbie, Darian, Jim, Randell, and Rob,” the photo’s caption from April read. “Thanks to Cindy Frey for her generous use of Glenn’s studio last Friday.”
On Wednesday, June 11, Wilson’s family announced his death at 82 years old. “We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” a
statement on his social media
read. “We are at a loss for words right now.”
“Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy.”
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Wilson was an integral part of the Beach Boys, serving as songwriter and co-lead vocalist.
He also played the bass guitar and keyboard. He, late brothers
Dennis
and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine made up the California-founded band, which Wilson founded at 19 years old.
Wilson was part of the Grammy-nominated band from its founding in 1961 until 1964, when he became a full-time studio artist.
Wilson didn’t play with the Beach Boys again until they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2012.
“I feel good. I really do feel good these days,”
Wilson told at the time
. “This whole year has been very emotional and — what do you call that word? — sentimental.”
His second wife,
Melinda Ledbetter
, whom he was married to for over 25 years,
died in early 2024
. Following her death, Wilson’s family
filed for a conservatorship
, citing claims that he suffered from “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
“Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” a statement from the family shared with at the time read.
“This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family,”
The Beach Boys founder made an appearance a few months later in May 2024 to celebrate the
premiere of the Beach Boys documentary
, aptly titled
The Beach Boys
. He appeared in good spirits, posing for pictures with bandmates David Marks, Al Jardine, Blondie Chaplin, Mike Love and Bruce Johnston.
Wilson is
survived by his children
.
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