Carnie Wilson, a singer, has opened up about the impact her family has had on her life in all areas. On a recent episode of Billy Corgan’s podcast The Magnificent Others, Carnie shared memories of her uncles, Beach Boys members Dennis and Carl Wilson, and talked about her father, Brian Wilson, who co-founded the band.
Although she became well-known with her sister Wendy and her childhood friend, Chynna Philips, in her group, Wilson Phillips, Carnie has always felt the influence of her family’s musical reputation. In the interview, which was quite an emotional one, she looked back on the people who shaped her as she shared both the joyful and the painful moments that continue to live in her heart.
Dennis Wilson was known as a mysterious and very sensitive man
When Carnie’s uncle, Dennis, passed away in 1983, she was just 15 years old, but she still remembers his powerful presence. “He was always like this mysterious, sexy man,” she said. Though it may sound unusual, she admitted to getting butterflies around him because of how he was. She remembered him as handsome, sensitive, and talented.
Sadly, Dennis struggled with alcohol and drug issues in his later years. He died at the age of 39 after diving into the water in Marina Del Rey searching for treasures and never returned to the surface. Despite everything that happened, Carnie has chosen to hold on to the memories she has of him.
“Carl was an amazing writer and an amazing singer.”
In 1998, Carl Wilson died of lung cancer at the age of 51. He also left a big impact on Carnie. She spoke about how kind and protective he was, especially during times when her father wasn’t very involved. Carl encouraged her and her sister, Wendy, to keep going with their music, even when things were unstable.
Carnie has photos of him in her home and says she still feels his presence. His encouragement and love continue to inspire her even today. She also shared how much her father, Brian, misses his brothers. In 2024, according to a court ruling, he was diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder that has symptoms similar to dementia, but it didn’t stop her from appreciating him. The “Release Me” singer went ahead to declare the pride she has for her dad, Brian. “I’m so proud of him for being the survivor he is and the contribution to music,” she said.