Latest news with #WendyWilson
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Stamos Pens Heartbreaking Tribute to Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Following Death
John Stamos Pens Heartbreaking Tribute to Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Following Death originally appeared on Parade. John Stamos delivered a heartbreaking tribute to Beach Boys' following his death at 82. Taking to his Instagram, the former Full House actor began, "Brian Wilson didn't just soundtrack my life…he filled it with color, with wonder, with some of the most unforgettable, emotional, joyful moments I've ever known." "It's hard to put into words what it meant to stand beside him, laugh with him, play his music with him. Brian wasn't just a musical genius, he was a gentle, soulful, funny, complex, beautiful man. He heard things no one else could hear. He felt things deeper than most of us ever will. And somehow, he turned all of that into music that wrapped itself around the world and made us all feel less alone," he continued. "I grew up worshipping the Beach Boys, never imagining one day I'd get to play with them, let alone call Brian a friend," he stated, reflecting on Wilson's contributions, he added, "Songs that didn't just play in the background of our lives, they shaped who we were. They shaped who I became. His music made me feel things I didn't know how to say. It made me want to make people feel the way his music made me feel. So much of my life and career, so much of me, exists because of what Brian created." "To Carnie, Wendy, the lovely Marilyn, to everyone who loved him, and especially to Mike. My heart is with you. Brian once said, 'Music is God's voice.' I believe he was right, and now that voice, his voice, is part of the divine chorus. The music didn't end." He concluded, adding, "Rest easy, Brian. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the moments. I'll carry them with me -forever. Love Stamos." The musician's children shared the news on Instagram on June 11, writing, "We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away." Wilson, who was just shy of his 83rd birthday on June 20, had a series of health issues, including "auditory hallucinations," "multiple back surgeries and deafness," along with a dementia diagnosis in February 2024. He co-founded the iconic California band in 1961, releasing a string of sunny hits like "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Good Vibrations," and "Surfin' U.S.A." Stamos's connection to the rock band dates all the way back to the '80s when he was an up-and-coming soap star who was offered a chance to play on the drums during "Barbara Ann," with their musical relationship continuing into the beloved family sitcom fold. With so many appearances alongside the band, Stamos is considered an honorary member, even taking the stage to sit on the drums and guitar for the group's upcoming summer tour, "The Sounds Of Summer Tour," which is being teased as the "40th anniversary" of his first performance. During a chat with Vulture last year, the actor best known as Uncle Jesse reflected on being "extremely intimidated by" Wilson. "When I came out the first few times to play, I remember Brian looking at me, and Carl was like, 'He's cool.' Then Brian took a liking to me. We did these shows in the summer and it was during a time when Mike was away in India. They had some deal on their contract where it had to be four or five original members or something, so Brian came out." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 John Stamos Pens Heartbreaking Tribute to Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Following Death first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Brian Wilson reconciled with estranged daughters and they carried on his musical legacy in pop group
Brian Wilson's complicated relationship with his daughters Carnie and Wendy Wilson has come into renewed focus following his death on Wednesday at age 82, after a long battle with dementia. The Beach Boys legend eventually rebuilt a close bond with his two eldest children after years of painful estrangement. Wilson struggled for decades with mental health issues and substance abuse, which led to fractured family bonds and limited contact with Carnie and Wendy. Carnie, now 57, and Wendy, 55, were born to Brian and his first wife, singer Marilyn Wilson of The Honeys. Their 1979 divorce came after years of turmoil, and Brian later remarried in 1995, tying the knot with Melinda Ledbetter, with whom he adopted five children: Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash. While his younger children have largely stayed out of the spotlight, Carnie and Wendy stepped directly into it—forming the hit-making pop trio Wilson Phillips in 1989 alongside Chynna Phillips, daughter of The Mamas & The Papas' John and Michelle Phillips. The group quickly shot to fame with early '90s smashes like Hold On, Release Me, and You're in Love. But behind the scenes, their relationship with their father remained strained. 'It was chaotic,' Carnie and Wendy recalled of their childhood during a 2020 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, adding that Brian's presence was often fleeting. Carnie has spoken openly about the pain of growing up without a consistent father figure. 'We can't call him up and we can't see him,' Carnie told the Los Angeles Times in 1992 of Brian, with whom she hadn't spoken in two years at the time. 'I guess we could, but we're so afraid of each other. I don't know what I would say to him.' That same year, she and Wendy wrote the deeply personal track Flesh and Blood as a musical olive branch to their father. The song was featured on Wilson Phillips' second studio album, Shadows and Light. Flesh and Blood marked a rare departure for Wilson Phillips—a group that had largely steered clear of addressing their famous family ties in their music. Until then, all three members had been careful not to lean on their musical legacies. 'We didn't want to play on (our family connections) before,' Carnie told the Los Angeles Times. 'We didn't want people to think that they were (the reasons for) our success. Because they weren't.' But Flesh and Blood proved the exception. The emotional ballad was a lyrical plea to Brian after years of estrangement. 'If you never plan to come out of your shell / You're never gonna get well . . . / For years I've been following your case / It's the only time I see your face,' the sisters sang. Carnie told the Times she hoped the song would spark a long-overdue family reunion—but she wasn't sure how he'd take it. 'He's either going to cry real hard, or else just stare at something and get (mad),' she said at the time. Two years later, the breakthrough finally came. In 1994, Brian reunited with his daughters after years of limited contact, save for the occasional holiday dinner. The reconciliation marked a turning point. The trio began making music together, and Carnie expressed hope that the collaboration would grow. 'Wendy and I are doing demo tapes for our debut album as a duo, and I hope Daddy will provide background harmonies,' Carnie told People at the time. 'I know that one day we'll all work together.' Later in life, Brian became one of Wilson Phillips' biggest cheerleaders—a full-circle moment after years of distance and emotional struggle. 'He also loves Wilson Phillips. He really does,' Carnie told UsWeekly in 2024. 'He's always asking me, 'How's Wilson Phillips?' I go, 'We're great, Dad.' He's funny. He's very proud.' After decades of estrangement, the family found joy in reconnecting—not just as relatives, but through being artists. Carnie said they now cherish their time together, often celebrating Brian's legacy in song, even after he had been diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder similar to dementia. 'We love to sing 'Surfer Girl' and 'In My Room.' Sometimes a little 'California Girls,' [which is] his favorite, and sometimes we do 'Be My Baby,' his favorite song ever by The Ronettes,' she shared to the outlet. 'I like to sing his songs to him. I think they mean a lot to him.' In the end, Brian Wilson's impact stretched far beyond his pioneering work with the Beach Boys. His daughters didn't just inherit his musical talent—they used it to reconnect and move forward from a difficult past. 'I think it's kind of unavoidable. Music is in our blood,' Carnie told the outlet.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Sandhill cranes were rescued from death's door. We are obliged to protect them.
Regarding the column, 'Dear sandhill crane defenders: If you love them, let us hunt them.' Cranes do not speak our language. Their behaviors are often more aligned with our moral ideals — loyalty, community, honesty, honor and integrity — than many humans. In some countries, cranes are symbols of peace. They are consequential beings who are committed to caring for their families and flocks, and I believe we have an obligation to protect them as they are unable to speak for themselves. Wisconsin researchers recently conducted a study revealing that the majority of Wisconsinites do not support a crane hunt, so we must ask why are the desires of a minority of Wisconsin residents moving forward against the will of the people of Wisconsin? In the 1800s, cranes were nearly hunted into extinction. With the help of the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, crane populations were preserved. The animals' reemergence from death's door is something to be celebrated and cherished, not met with new threats. Cranes stand proudly as individuals who have a God-given right to live, in my opinion. For those who truly love nature, there are many other ways to enjoy it — hiking, bicycling, going for a long drive and/or turning part of your land into prairie are all ways to connect with nature. They can simultaneously replenish the mind, body and soul — and old-fashioned kindness is the best milk to nourish the soul. Cranes remind us to be peaceful and to be kind. Wendy Wilson, Oconomowoc More: Wisconsin's sandhill cranes are beautiful but damage our crops. Let hunting help. | Opinion More: Don't stuff sandhill crane hunt down throat of Wisconsin. It will only divide us | Opinion More: Wisconsin has stable and growing sandhill crane population. A hunt shouldn't cause rancor. | Opinion Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: There are better ways to connect with nature than crane hunt | Letters
