Brian Wilson, the visionary force behind the Beach Boys, was a founding member of one of the most influential American bands of the 1960s. Alongside his brothers Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and childhood friend Al Jardine, Brian helped pioneer the sun-soaked California pop sound that defined a generation. Their breakout album, Surfin’ Safari, dropped in 1962 shortly after signing with Capitol Records, and tracks like “Fun, Fun, Fun” remain culturally iconic, most recently featured in the trailer for the 2023 Barbie film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
While Wilson’s musical legacy is undeniable, his personal life was marked by emotional complexity. Often described as a pop genius, he faced decades-long struggles with mental health, including diagnoses of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar symptoms. Those challenges echoed through his relationships—some tumultuous, others deeply supportive. In January 2024, Brian shared the heartbreaking news that his second wife, Melinda, had died at the age of 77.
Following his own passing in 2025, many are looking back on the personal life of the man behind the music. Here’s everything to know about Brian’s marriages and the romantic relationships over the years below.
Brian was married to former model Melinda Kae Ledbetter since 1995. But the couple had initially dated years before that, from 1986-1989. According to The U.S. Sun, Brian and the Colorado-born beauty married on February 6, 1995 in California. They met when she was working at an upscale auto dealership in Los Angeles in 1986, and began the foundation for their decades-long relationship.
“I remember meeting her at her dealership, Cadillac, and I said, ‘God, she’s a pretty girl,’” he said during an ABC Nightline interview back in 2015. “‘That’s a pretty girl.’” He added, “I just said to myself, ‘God, I think I’ll see her again sometime.’” For her part, Melinda was attracted to the legendary musician’s kindness. “That’s what attracted me to him, he was so nice,” she said.
The duo wound up adopting five children together — daughters Daria, Delanie, and Dakota, and sons Dylan and Dash. She was also his manager.
On January 30, 2024, Brian and his children announced the death of Melinda at the age of 77. They revealed she died peacefully at home on that same day. “Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost,” he captioned a set of throwback photos of Melinda on Instagram. “Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy Brian.”
