Melinda Ledbetter, Brian Wilson’s wife, passed away.
On Tuesday, the front-runner for Beach Boys announced the news on social media.
Brian, 81, sent his fans a poignant message on X, the former Twitter platform.
“It breaks my heart. My dear wife of 28 years, Melinda, passed away this morning,” he said.
“Me and all five of our children are crying.” We have no idea where we are. Melinda was more than just my spouse. My life was rescued by her. With her nearby, I felt secure enough to pursue a job.
“She advised me to compose the music that held special meaning for me.” She restrained me. She took care of everything for us. She could not be stopped. She was among the most resilient women you will ever meet.
She was more than simply a mother, a role model, and our father’s rescuer. She was a woman with a strong spirit who wanted to improve everyone in her path. Though we will miss her, her lessons will live on in our memories forever.
It taught me to look out for the individual sitting next to me without looking for anything in return. I also learned how to be proud of who you are in whatever circumstance and how to see beauty in the most unlikely places. Mom, you are loved. “Send our love to Grandma Rose and Pa,” he stated, concluding the discussion.
The “Good Vibrations” singer posted a photo of Melinda in her younger years along with a photo of the two of them.
“I adore you a lot.”
In the social media comment sections of Brian’s posts, fans congratulated him and sent their best wishes.
One said, “Brian, we love you.” “I’m so sad to hear this,”
Another person said, “Sending you much love.” Another said, “May you always feel her with you and find the strength to keep going.”
Another person remarked, “She had a beautiful soul.”
A fan said, “I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Melinda’s passing.” “Your pain is beyond my imagination.” Please keep in mind all the fun times you had as you move on.
They first connected when Linda sold Brian a Cadillac in 1986. They spent three years dating intermittently.
However, they resumed dating after accidentally running into each other in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. In the end, they were hitched in 1995.
About the love of his life, Brian said to People in 1998, “I’ve never been in a relationship with a girl like we are.” She is both my best friend and my partner.
Together, they have five grown children: Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash.
CHARITY AND LOVE
The 2014 film Love & Mercy tells the story of Brian’s love for Melinda and his relationship with his authoritarian therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy.
Paul Dano and John Cusack portrayed Brian, while Elizabeth Banks portrayed Melinda.
The film narrates Brian’s experience with mental illness and how Melinda helped him escape Eugene’s clutches.
The Wilson family sued Eugene for “undue influence” on Brian, and they were successful in their 1992 lawsuit.