PREVIEW

Brian Wilson dies at 82. The co-founder and songwriter of iconic band The Beach Boys had been battling dementia - with his family announcing on Wednesday that he had died. Releasing a statement via Wilson's official website, his family wrote, "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.” "We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time, as our family is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.” Brian was born in Inglewood, California, on 20 June 1942 and, as a child, demonstrated an ability to recite music by ear. The music icon formed The Beach Boys in 1961 alongside his brothers Dennis Wilson and Carl Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. The band released their debut single in 1961 and enjoyed chart success with songs including Surfin' U.S.A. and Good Vibrations - with Love and Jardine now the last surviving original members of the group. Brian was married twice, first to Marilyn Rovell from 1964 until 1979 and then Melinda Ledbetter from 1995 until her death in 2024. The singer shared daughters Carnie and Wendy with Rovell and later adopted five further children with Ledbetter. Ledbetter passed away in January 2024 and it was announced Brian had been diagnosed with dementia the following month.
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