Recommendations of the Editorial team
Ethan Zane Browne, the eldest son of singer-songwriter Jackson Browne, has died. He was 52 years old. Ethan was pronounced dead with a message on Browne’s Instagram. It said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne, the son of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, was found lifeless at his home and passed away. We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time.”
Family statement and first years of life
No cause of death was given. And Browne’s statement stopped short of sharing further details. Ethan was born on November 2, 1973 and appeared on the cover of ROLLING STONE just six months later in his father’s arms. In the accompanying story, Browne discussed his then-burgeoning career and new fatherhood. He said at one point, “I wanted a baby because I wanted to be a baby. I play along all the time.” [Ethan]. There’s something pure about it. Look at all these expressions he has. He’s a real kick in the ass.”
Family history and career beginnings
In 1976, when Ethan was three years old, his mother Major – who had married Browne the year before – took her own life. In 1981, Browne married model Lynne Sweeney, and the couple welcomed another son, Ryan, the following year.
As an adult, Ethan worked as a model and also took on some acting roles. He appeared in the 1995 film Hackers, had a guest appearance in an episode of the TV series Birds of Prey, and had a small role in the 2004 romantic comedy Raising Helen.
Musical works and later projects
Later, Ethan turned to music. He founded a record label, Spinside Records, and collaborated with multi-instrumentalist Cat Colbert to form a duo called Alain Zane. The group released their debut album R’ight Before Your Eyes via Spinside in 2022.