01-05-2025
Carnie Wilson Says She Used to 'Get Butterflies' Around Late Beach Boy Uncle Dennis Wilson: 'Mysterious, Sexy Man'
Carnie Wilson is reflecting on life both with and without her famous uncles, Beach Boys stars Dennis and Carl Wilson.
Carnie — whose father is Brian Wilson, Beach Boys co-founder and brother to Dennis and Carl — opened up about her family on Billy Corgan's podcast The Magnificent Others on Wednesday, April 30.
The Wilson Phillips singer, 57, was just 15 years old when Dennis died in 1983, but she recalled his powerful aura.
'He was always like this mysterious, sexy man, and he was my uncle, but like, I'd get butterflies around him,' she said. 'He's very handsome. He was very sensitive. They all three had big, big talent.'
Related: Carnie Wilson Says Negative Comments About Daughter Lola's American Idol Audition 'Really Pissed Me Off'
Dennis struggled with alcohol and drug abuse in his later years, and had checked into detox and hospital facilities in the days leading up to his death. The musician had allegedly been drinking heavily when he jumped into the water in Marina Del Rey, Calif. to dive for unearthed treasures, and he never resurfaced. He was just 39, and was buried at sea after special dispensation from President Ronald Reagan.
Carnie — who rose to fame alongside sister Wendy and Chynna Phillips in a music group of their own, Wilson Phillips — also praised Carl, who died of lung cancer in 1998 at age 51.
'Carl was an amazing writer, amazing singer. He really had such a great sound. He was protective,' says Carnie. 'Dad just wasn't… We just weren't spending time with him. But then he said to us, 'I follow you on the charts every week,' so he was watching [from] behind his door. But Carl was like, 'You guys just have to keep going.''
She continued, 'I miss him very much. I think about him all the time, and I have pictures around my house and I feel his spirit a lot. And my dad really misses his brothers, like a lot.'
Carl joined Carnie and Wendy, 55 on their 1993 Christmas album Hey Santa!, providing background vocals.
On the podcast, the 'Hold On' singer also opened up about the pride she has for dad Brian, 82, who lost his wife Melinda in January 2024 and is currently under a conservatorship, as he has been diagnosed with a 'major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),' according to a court filing.
Related: The Members of the Beach Boys: Where Are They Now?
'I'm so proud of him for being the survivor he is and the contribution to music,' she said. 'I don't want to cry, but his contribution is so beautiful and the layers of all his music is so beautiful, and what I want people to understand is he is so grateful. He is so grateful to the people that love his music and the lives that he's touched and he's aware of it all.'
Brian made a rare public appearance in May 2024 at the Los Angeles premiere of the Disney+ documentary The Beach Boys. He was joined by Carnie, bandmates Al Jardine, David Marks, Blondie Chaplin, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and more.
Read the original article on People
