How Did Brian Wilson Die?
Brian Wilson died of Neurocognitive disorder complications on June 11, 2025, at age 82.
What was Brian Wilson's cause of death?
Brian Wilson died on June 11, 2025, in Oxnard, California, at the age of 82. He had been diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder — believed to be dementia — in 2024. His wife Melinda and family issued a statement confirming his passing. He had continued to live at home with care support in his final years. His death came just months after he had been placed under a conservatorship to manage his affairs.
How old was Brian Wilson when they died?
Brian Wilson was 82 years old at the time of death.
When did Brian Wilson die?
Brian Wilson died on June 11, 2025.
Brian Wilson Biography
Brian Douglas Wilson was born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California. He co-founded The Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers Dennis and Carl, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. He served as the group's primary songwriter and producer, crafting a string of hits beginning with Surfin' Safari and Surfin' USA. His 1966 album Pet Sounds is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever made and directly influenced The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The single Good Vibrations, released the same year, was a landmark of studio innovation. He battled mental health issues and substance abuse for much of his life but continued to create music until his death in 2025.
Personal Life
Who are Brian Wilson's parents?
Murry Wilson, Audree Korthof
Did Brian Wilson have siblings?
Yes — Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, Maureen Love Wilson.
Was Brian Wilson married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Marilyn Rovell | 1964 | 1979 |
| Melinda Ledbetter | None | None |
Did Brian Wilson have children?
Brian Wilson had 5 children: Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, Daria Rose Wilson, Delanie Rae Wilson, Dylan Carlisle Wilson.
What religion was Brian Wilson?
Brian Wilson was Christian.
What was Brian Wilson's ethnicity?
Brian Wilson was of English, Irish, French heritage.
Career Highlights
Albums
- Surfin' Safari (1962)
- Surfin' USA (1963)
- Pet Sounds (1966)
- Smile (2004)
- No Pier Pressure (2015)
- That Lucky Old Sun (2008)
Awards
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001)
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — The Beach Boys (1988)
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2000)
- Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album — In the Key of Disney (2012)
Facts About Brian Wilson
- Pet Sounds (1966) is widely considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded
- Good Vibrations took six months and $50,000 to record — unprecedented at the time
- He suffered from serious mental health issues and addiction for decades
- He spent years in bed in the 1970s under the care of controversial therapist Eugene Landy
- His daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson formed Wilson Phillips
- He lost his hearing in his right ear as a child
Brian Wilson Quotes
"I wasn't in competition with anyone. I just loved music and wanted to make something beautiful."
"Pet Sounds is the record I'm most proud of in my life."
Legacy
Brian Wilson is considered one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 20th century. Pet Sounds is consistently ranked among the top five albums of all time by Rolling Stone and other publications. His innovations in studio recording, vocal harmony, and songwriting influenced generations of artists including Paul McCartney, who called Pet Sounds the greatest album ever made. The Beach Boys sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05