Melinda Wilson, the wife of Brian Wilson, iconic founder of the Beach Boys, and a pivotal figure in his journey towards psychological recovery, passed away at the age of 77 on Tuesday. The cause of her death has not been immediately disclosed.
Brian Wilson, in an emotional announcement on his Instagram page, expressed his grief, stating, “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.” Wilson credited Melinda with providing the emotional security he needed for his career and encouraging him to create music close to his heart. The couple married in 1995 and adopted five children.
Their remarkable love story, portrayed in the biopic “Love and Mercy,” showcased Melinda’s instrumental role in helping Brian Wilson navigate mental health challenges and break free from the control of therapist Eugene Landy. In his Instagram post, Wilson urged people to “say a prayer for her,” concluding with his signature sign-off, “Love and Mercy, Brian.”
In the film, Elizabeth Banks played Melinda opposite John Cusack as Brian Wilson in middle age. The narrative depicted how Melinda, a Cadillac saleswoman who sold a car to Wilson, played a crucial part in his life, steering him away from the damaging influence of Landy.
The couple’s adopted children—Daria Rose, Delanie Rae, Dylan, Dash, and Dakota Ros—joined Wilson in expressing their grief on social media. In a statement, they described Melinda as a force of nature, a model, their father’s savior, and a mother empowered by a spirit with a mission to uplift everyone she touched.
The music community, including Graham Nash, Alec Baldwin, Stephen Bishop, and Lyle Lovett, expressed condolences and support for Brian Wilson and his family.
Melinda Ledbetter, born in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1946, was a model before becoming a salesperson at an L.A. Cadillac dealership, where she met Brian Wilson. Their initial courtship faced challenges due to the influence of therapist Eugene Landy, who controlled Brian’s life. Despite Landy’s attempts to keep them apart, they reunited in 1992 and married three years later.
Melinda Wilson’s passing marks the end of a profound chapter in Brian Wilson’s life, with her enduring impact on his personal and professional journey celebrated by those who knew and admired their story.
