Brian Wilson, the co-founder of the iconic band the Beach Boys, passed away at the age of 82.
His family announced the loss of the legend in an Instagram post Wednesday, June 11.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the post began. “We are at a loss for words right now.”
The family added, “Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”
The statement concluded with the words “Love & Mercy,” a nod to the single from his first solo studio album.
The singer had seven kids over the course of two different marriages. He had Carnie and Wendy from his first marriage to ex-wife Marilyn Wilson. He shared five adoptive children with his late wife Melinda Ledbetter, according to PEOPLE.
Wilson’s family did not disclose the cause of death. In February 2024 it was revealed Wilson was suffering from dementia and his family filed for a conservatorship after his wife passed, according to TMZ.
Wilson Co-Founded the Band in 1961
Wilson co-founded the band in 1961 with his brothers, Carl and Dennis, as well as Mike Love and Al Jardine.
The band had a string of hits throughout the years that included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows.”
Wilson was also known for writing and producing the majority of the Beach Boys’ 1966 iconic album “Pet Sounds.”
Tributes Pour In
After news broke, fans of Wilson expressed their sadness for his passing.
Singer Margo Price expressed her love for the family and his profound impact on music. “Sending you all love,” she wrote. “So grateful for all the beautiful music and compassion he brought into the world.”
“This is a sad day in history. I’m so sorry for the passing of your beloved father,” another user wrote. “Brian was truly a genius, and his talent will be missed. Brian’s spirit will live forever in all of our hearts.”
Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath also shared his sadness over the news. “Truly heartbroken…may his memory and music always bring you joy and comfort,” he wrote.
One of his granddaughter’s shared a tribute to Wilson on her social media.
“[I] love you grandpa. you changed the world. you have left an invaluable mark on me and so many others and i am blessed to have had you in my life,” she wrote. “[I] will forever do music in your honor.”
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Beach Boys Member Passes Away & Tributes Pour In