God only knows what she’ll be without him.
Brian Wilson’s daughter Carnie Wilson wrote a heartbreaking social media tribute for the Beach Boys co-founder on Wednesday, hours after his death at age 82.
“I have no words to express the sadness I feel right now,” the “Hold On” singer started her caption on a photo of her with her father and sister Wendy Wilson.
“My Father @brianwilsonlive was every fiber of my body. He will be remembered by millions and millions until the world ends,” she continued. “I am lucky to have been his daughter and had a soul connection with him that will live on always.”
Despite writing that she’s “never felt this kind of pain before,” Carnie said she knows her father is “resting up there in heaven or maybe playing the piano for [his Mom].”
“I love you Daddy….I miss [you so much] already,” she finished her emotional message.
Brian’s family confirmed his death on Wednesday — nine days before his birthday.
“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” the family posted to his Instagram account alongside a picture of the songwriter, 82, smiling on a park bench.
“We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world,” the caption continued. “Love & Mercy.”
Carnie’s daughter, Lola Bonfiglio, 19, also wrote a social media tribute to Brian alongside a photo of the music legend holding her as a baby by a piano.
“i love you grandpa,” she started. “You changed the world. you have left an invaluable mark on me and so many others and i am blessed to have had you in my life. i will forever do music in your honor. rest in music paradise🕊️🤍.”
Carnie Wilson, 57, and Wendy Wilson, 55, were born to Brian’s first wife, Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford, who he was married to from 1964 to 1981.
The sisters started a music group called Wilson Phillips with Chynna Phillips, 57, in 1989.
The “Surfin’ U.S.A.” singer and his second wife, Melinda Ledbetter, were also the adoptive parents of five children — Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota Rose.
Ledbetter passed away at age 77 in January 2024.
A month after her death, the family revealed they were seeking conservatorship for the Grammy winner, as he was suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
Brian founded The Beach Boys in 1961 with his brothers Dennis and Carl, their cousin Mike Love and their friend Al Jardine.
After starting out as a small family band in Los Angeles, Calif., the group blew up that year with their first single “Surfin’,” which led to them signing as Capitol Records’ first rock act in 1962.
Brian co-wrote and produced all of the band’s biggest hits, including “Surfin’ USA,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “Good Vibrations” and “God Only Knows”.
Brian is survived by his seven kids.