Brian Wilson said his wife, Melinda Ledbetter, had died.
The Beach Boys frontman shared the news on social media on Tuesday.
Brian, 81, shared the heartfelt message with his followers on X, which was Twitter.
“My heart aches. “This morning my beloved wife of 28 years, Melinda, passed away,” he began.
“All five of our children and I are crying. We don’t know where we are. Melinda wasn’t just my wife. She saved my life. I felt safe enough with her to have a career.
“She told me to make music that was important to me. She held me down. She did everything for us. There was no stopping her.
She was one of the strongest women you could ever meet.
“She was more than a role model, our dad’s savior and our mother. She was a woman full of spirit who was on a mission to improve everyone she touched.” We will miss her, but we will always remember what she taught us.
I learned how to care for the person next to me without expecting anything in return. I also learned how to find beauty in the worst places and how to be proud of being myself in any situation. We love you mom. “Give Grandma Rose and Dad our love,” he said at the end of the thread.
The “Good Vibrations” singer shared a photo of Melinda when she was younger and a photo of the two of them together.
“I LOVE YOU SO MUCH”
Fans praised Brian and wished him the best of luck in the comments on his social media posts.
“We love you, Brian,” said one. “I’m so sorry.
“Sending you lots of love,” said another. “May you always feel her with you and find the strength to go on,” said a third.
Someone else said, “She had a beautiful soul.”
“I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Melinda’s death,” said a fan. “I can’t imagine your pain. As you continue, please remember all the good times you had.
In 1986, Linda sold Brian a Cadillac and that’s how they first met. They dated for three years.
But when they ran into each other by chance in Los Angeles, California in 1992, they started dating again. They finally got married in 1995.
Brian told People in 1998 about the love of his life, “I’ve never been in a relationship with a girl like us.” She is a partner and best friend at the same time.
Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash are the five grown children they have together.
LOVE AND KINDNESS
The 2014 biopic Love & Mercy follows Brian’s relationship with his controlling therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy, and his love for Melinda.
Brian was portrayed by Paul Dano and John Cusack, and Melinda was portrayed by Elizabeth Banks.
The film tells the story from Brian’s journey with mental illness to how Melinda saves him and helps him escape from Eugene’s grasp.
Eugene had “undue influence” on Brian, so the Wilson family sued him and won the case in 1992.
The loss of Melinda Ledbetter has undoubtedly left a void in the lives of Brian Wilson and their family, as well as in the hearts of many who admired her. Melinda was not only Brian’s wife but a guiding light in his life, someone who played a key role in his career and well-being. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering support were pillars that helped Brian overcome some of the most challenging chapters in his life, including his struggles with mental health and the influence of Dr. Eugene Landy.
Melinda’s legacy will forever be linked to that of Brian, not only as his beloved partner but also as the person who helped him rediscover his musical passion and personal freedom. Her influence extended beyond their marriage and touched the lives of their five children and countless others who witnessed her kindness, resilience, and devotion to those she loved.
Her passing is a deep loss, but her memory will continue to inspire. The lessons she imparted—selflessly caring for others, finding beauty in adversity, and embracing authenticity—will resonate with her family and those who knew her well. Brian’s heartfelt words remind us all of the importance of love, perseverance, and the irreplaceable role Melinda played in his life. While her absence will be deeply felt, her influence will continue to be a source of strength for Brian, their children, and those who admire her enduring spirit.