Wilson struggled for decades with mental health issues and substance abuse, which led to fractured family bonds and limited contact with daughters Carnie and Wendy.

"Caroline, No" was released as the first solo Brian Wilson song in 1966, and then appeared as the closing track on the legendary Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. The melancholy lyrics and creative instrumentation—including harpsichord, vibraphone, a tambourine hit with a wood block and a water jug hit with a mallet—is classic Wilson.

The band paid homage to the music legend, as did former member Al Jardine and his daughter, Wilson Phillips singer Carnie Wilson.