Brian Wilson mourns the loss of his wife Melinda Ledbetter. The 77-year-old, who was not only his wife but also his long-time manager, died on Tuesday morning (January 30th). The Beach Boys co-founder shared the sad news on Instagram with a picture of the deceased: “My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I cry. We are lost.”
“One of the strongest women you could find”
Brian Wilson found in Melinda Ledbetter not only his partner, but also an “anchor”. In a statement on Instagram, he acknowledged her role in his life: “Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior.The 81-year-old described how his partner gave him the emotional security he needed to pursue a career. “She encouraged me to pursue the music that was closest to my heart. And she was my anchor. She was everything to us. Please pray for them.”
See the post here:
The emotional statement was accompanied by their children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash. In their message, they described their mother as a “force of nature” and “one of the strongest women you could find.” She would have had a mission through her spiritual power: “to improve everyone she touched.” The children continued: “We will miss her, but will cherish everything she taught us.” “How to care caring for the person next to you without expecting anything in return, how to find beauty in the darkest places and how to live life as your true self with honesty and pride,” were her parting words.
The couple found each other again in 1992
Wilson and the now deceased’s relationship began in 1986 when he bought a car from her. After a two-year relationship, they separated on the advice of Wilson’s then-psychiatrist Eugene Landy. He was known for his controversial techniques and his possible involvement in the career crash of the now 81-year-old. However, the couple found each other again in 1992. They married in 1995.
Ledbetter also took on the role of his manager from 1999. She played a crucial role in getting Wilson to complete his then-unfinished album Smile and helped him find the psychological support he needed.
Her influence on the musician’s life was also depicted in the 2014 biographical film Love & Mercy.