Shawn Marie Love was the wife of Dennis Wilson, a co-founder of the famous rock band The Beach Boys. She was also the daughter of Mike Love, another member of the band and Dennis Wilson’s cousin. Shawn Marie Love died of liver cancer in September 2003, two decades after her husband drowned in a tragic accident. This article will explore her life, her relationship with Dennis Wilson, and her cause of death.
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Shawn Marie Love’s Early Life and Family Background
Shawn Marie Love was born on December 30, 1964, in Los Angeles County, California, USA. Her mother was Shannon Harris, a secretary who worked for Mike Love. Her father was Mike Love, a singer and songwriter who gained fame as a member of The Beach Boys. However, Mike Love did not acknowledge Shawn Marie as his daughter and denied paternity. Shannon Harris had to file a paternity suit against him in March 1965, which was later settled out of court. Mike Love agreed to pay child support and allowed Shawn Marie to use his surname when she turned 18 years old.
Shawn Marie Love had several half-siblings from her father’s side. They were Christian, Ambha, Brian Edward Alan, Hayleigh, Melinda, Summer, Teresa, and Leila. They came from Mike Love’s past relationships and marriages. Shawn Marie Love did not have a close relationship with her father or her half-siblings. She grew up mostly with her mother and did not reveal much about her early life, education, or career.
Shawn Marie Love’s Marriage to Dennis Wilson
Shawn Marie Love met Dennis Wilson, a co-founder of The Beach Boys, in late 1981. She was 16 years old at the time, while he was 36 years old. Dennis Wilson was a musician, singer, and songwriter who played drums and sang for the band. He was also known for his wild and rebellious lifestyle, which involved drugs, alcohol, and women.
Dennis Wilson and Shawn Marie Love started dating and soon moved in together. They had a son, Gage Dennis Wilson, who was born on September 3, 1982. They got married in 1983, but their marriage was short-lived and turbulent. They had frequent fights, including physical ones, and separated in late 1983. Their divorce was in the process when Dennis Wilson died in December 1983.
Dennis Wilson’s death was a result of his alcohol abuse and reckless behavior. He drowned while diving and swimming drunk in Marina del Rey, California. He was trying to recover some items that he had thrown overboard from his yacht three years earlier. He was buried at sea, with the permission of President Ronald Reagan.
Shawn Marie Love’s Life After Dennis Wilson’s Death
Shawn Marie Love was devastated by Dennis Wilson’s death and focused on raising their son, Gage. She lived a low-profile life and avoided the media attention. She did not remarry or have any other children. She also did not have a good relationship with Dennis Wilson’s family or the other members of The Beach Boys. She claimed that they did not support her or her son financially or emotionally.
Shawn Marie Love suffered from liver problems and needed a transplant. However, she could not get one and died of liver cancer in September 2003. She was 38 years old. She was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, California. Her son, Gage, was 21 years old at the time of her death. He inherited some of his father’s musical talent and played drums for a band called The Prom Kings.
Shawn Marie Love’s life was marked by tragedy and hardship. She was the wife of a rock star who died young and the daughter of another rock star who did not accept her. She died of a disease that could have been prevented if she had received proper medical care. She was a victim of her circumstances and her choices. She was also a mother who loved her son and tried to give him a better life. She was Shawn Marie Love, and this is her story.
