Beach Boys' Brian Wilson 'heartbroken' as he announces death of wife and 'saviour' Melinda in poignant post

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Wilson broke the news in a lengthy thread that included messages from his children too.

Wilson penned to his 130.2k followers: "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."

Wilson continued: "She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us."

The singer signed off his tribute with a plea for fans: "Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy. Brian."

In the same social media post, Wilson added the messages from his children about their mother's death.

They said in a joint statement: "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.

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 Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 30, 2024

"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 with out 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 husband and wife duo adopted their children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash.

Wilson and his family were quickly inundated with gestures of support from Beach Boys fans, including one X user who penned: "I’m so very sorry, my sincere condolences."

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Another echoed: "My heart is heavy knowing the pain that you are in from the loss of your beautiful wife. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. I pray that God will grant you peace and fill your heart with warm memories. My deepest condolences to your family."

Meanwhile, a third said: "So sorry to hear of you and your family’s loss. May God bless you all and give you comfort."

And a fourth weighed in: "So Sad! Sending my condolences. Treasure the great life moments you share together!" (sic)