Brian Wilson, the founder of the Beach Boys and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, passed away on June 11, 2025 at the age of 82.
His family, including his seven children, shared the sad news with a statement on Instagram, alongside a recent photo of him sitting on a park bench. But over the years Brian had a tumultuous relationship with parenthood, as he once confessed that he was a neglectful father and husband to his older children.
His ex-wife Marilyn said that he had "backed out" of raising their two girls because felt he was an unfit parent and would repeat his father's mistakes. Yet when he married his second wife Melinda, the couple adopted five kids together.
Find out all about his seven children here...
© FilmMagicCarnie Wilson
Brian's oldest daughter, Carnie, was born April 29, 1968.
Carnie inherited her dad's musical abilities, as she started musical group Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy and their childhood friend Chynna Phillips.
The group was successful, but in 2003 Carnie attempted a solo music career. Her first single failed to gain any interest, amd as such she reunited Wilson Phillips in 2004.
Carnie married musician and producer Robert Bonfiglio in 2000. Together they have daughters Lola, born in April 2005, and Luciana, born in June 2009.
While previously estranged from their father, Carnie and Wendy teamed up Brian to create an album called The Wilsons in 1997.
© FilmMagicWendy Wilson
Wendy is Brian's second oldest daughter, born October 16, 1969.
Together with her sister Carnie, she has had a successful music career with the group Wilson Phillips.
Wendy married record producer Daniel Knutson in 2002, and they share four sons: Leo Evan Knutson, born September 2003, Beau Alexander Knutson, born September 2004, and twins Will Hunter and Jesse Miles Knutson, August 2007.
Adopted children
When Brian married Melinda in 1995, the couple decided they wanted children.
"We didn't get married til I was 48," Melinda explained. "We decided we would adopt."
"I was thrilled to be able to do it," Brian added.
© Todd WilliamsonThe couple adopted five children during their 28 years of marriage: Dakota Rose, Dylan, Delanie Rae, Dash, and Daria.
Not much is known about his adoptive children, although sporadically he would share photos of them on social media.
In 2023, upon the news that Taylor Swift had been named Time's Person of the Year, Brian shared a photo of himself and his children meeting her in 2009.
Following news that their mom Melinda had died, Brian's kids shared a personal tribute to her on his Instagram.
"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", they wrote in a joint statement.
"She was a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by. She was not only a model, our fathers 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", they added.
"How to take care of the person next to you without 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."
They signed off the post: "We love you mom. Give Grandma Rose and Pa our love."
