Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson has paid tribute to his late wife Melinda Ledbetter, who passed away aged 77.
Wilson paid tribute to his late wife, who passed Tuesday morning (January 30), it has been confirmed. The couple were married for 28 years.
The pair first met in 1986, after Brian Wilson bought a car from her at the Cadilliac dealership where she worked.
However after two years of dating, the singer was ordered to end the relationship by his psychiatrist Eugene Landy, who was renowned for his controversial techniques, and subsequent interference in Wilson's career.
However, Wilson and Ledbitter married in February 1995, having reconnected in 1992. Ledbitter convinced Wilson to seek proper psychological help, as she became more involved in his career.
Brian Wilson confirmed his wife's passing via social media, in a sweet tribute to Melinda.
“My heart is broken,” Wilson said. “Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost".
Wilson also described Melinda as a “savior” and “anchor”. “Melinda was more than my wife,” he continued. “She was my savior".
He also wrote, "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.
Adding, "She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her".
A separate statement was also added on behalf of Wilson's children, Dakota, Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash.
They said that their mother “passed away peacefully [on Tuesday] morning at home”, and regarded her as a “force of nature”.
“She was a force of nature and one of the strongest women you could come by,” they added. “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. How to take care of the person next to you with out 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".
