Brian Wilson has died, the BBC reports.

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“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family said in a statement shared online.

“We are at a loss for words right now.”

“Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

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Born in 1942 and raised in Hawthorne, California, Wilson formed The Beach Boys in 1961, with his younger brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.

In February 2024, it was revealed Wilson had dementia.

Paul McCartney and The Beach Boys have led tributes to Wilson.

On his website, McCartney wrote: “Brian had that mysterious sense of musical genius that made his songs so achingly special. The notes he heard in his head and passed to us were simple and brilliant at the same time. I loved him, and was privileged to be around his bright shining light for a little while. How we will continue without Brian Wilson, ‘God Only Knows’.

Thank you, Brian. – Paul”

While The Beach Boys posted this message on their social media accounts.

“The world mourns a genius today, and we grieve for the loss of our cousin, our friend, and our partner in a great musical adventure. Brian Wilson wasn’t just the heart of The Beach Boys—he was the soul of our sound. The melodies he dreamed up and the emotions he poured into every note changed the course of music forever. His unparalleled talent and unique spirit created the soundtrack of so many lives around the globe, including our own. Together, we gave the world the American dream of optimism, joy, and a sense of freedom—music that made people feel good, made them believe in summer and endless possibilities.

“We are heartbroken by his passing. We will continue to cherish the timeless music we made together and the joy he brought to millions over the decades. And while we will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on through his songs and in our memories.

“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”

This is a developing story…