Brian Wilson has died at the age of 82, his family has announced.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” a statement on the singer’s official Instagram account reads.

“We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.

We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

The statement ends: “Love & Mercy.”Brian Wilson was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer,

who was most famous for co-founding the Beach Boys in 1961.

Born on June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, he was the eldest son of Audree Neva and Murry Wilson, and

the big brother of Dennis and Carl, who would go on to join him as members of the Beach Boys.