Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson ‘heartbroken’ as he announces death of wife-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Brian Wilson’s wife has died aged 77 (Picture: Jeff Snyder/FilmMagic)

Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson has confirmed the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, at the age of 77.

The music icon announced the news by saying his ‘heart is broken’.

Brian, 81, wrote on X: ‘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.

‘Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career.’

Brian added: ‘She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us.’

He signed off: ‘Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy, Brian.’

Brian also shared messages from his children.

‘It is with a heavy heart that we let everyone know that our mom, Melinda Kay Ledbetter Wilson, passed away peacefully this morning at home. 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 without 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.’

The couple were married for 28 years (Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brian and his children said they feel ‘lost’ (Picture: L. Cohen/WireImage for The Recording Academy)

They concluded: ‘We love you, mom. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love.’

The family was inundated with tributes from fans and friends, including from Sean Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

He wrote: ‘We love you, Brian. So very sorry to hear this.’

Singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop replied: ‘My sincere condolences to you and your family Brian. I am so sorry for your loss, my heart is with you.’

Brian and his late wife first met in 1986 when Ledbetter sold him a Cadillac.

They started dating on and off through 1989 before their paths crossed in Los Angeles in 1992 and they struck up a relationship.

In 1995, they tied the knot.

The couple adopted five children (Picture: WireImage)

The pair went on to adopt five children together: Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash. 

Brian has always spoken highly of his beloved wife.

In 1998, he described Ledbetter as ‘a partner who’s also a best friend’.

He added in an interview with People: ‘I’ve never had a relationship with a girl like we have.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More