Jackson Browne is mourning an unimaginable and heartbreaking loss following the sudden passing of his son, Ethan Browne.
The 77-year-old music icon shared the devastating news on Wednesday, November 26, issuing a somber family statement on Facebook.
In the announcement, the family confirmed that Ethan — who had built a career as both an actor and a model — died at the age of 52.
As of now, no cause of death has been released, and the family has chosen to keep those details private.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne … was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away,” the family wrote.
They continued by asking for “privacy and respect” as they navigate this painful time, adding that no further information would be shared at the moment.
For Jackson Browne, the loss carries an especially heavy emotional weight, echoing a tragedy he experienced decades earlier.
Ethan’s mother, Phyllis Major — who married Browne in 1975 — died by suicide the following year at only 30 years old.
Ethan was just a toddler at the time, too young to understand the magnitude of the loss but deeply affected by it throughout his life.
This newer heartbreak marks the second profound family tragedy for Browne, making Ethan’s death even more devastating.
Ethan Browne — A Life Marked by Talent, Complexity, and Quiet Strength
Ethan Browne’s life was intertwined with his father’s long before he could fully understand fame or legacy.
As an infant, he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 1974 — a symbolic moment that captured a young father and his child during the peak of Browne’s early career.
That cover became an iconic snapshot of the era and offered the world a first glimpse at Ethan.
As he grew, Ethan carved out a path that blended creativity, independence, and quiet introspection.
He pursued acting, securing small roles that showcased his talent, including a memorable part in the 2004 comedy-drama Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson.
Although acting was not his only passion, it allowed him to explore the artistic world he had grown up around.
Beyond the film industry, Ethan became noted for his striking appearance and natural ease in front of the camera — qualities that helped him build a successful modeling career.
He worked with several well-known designers, including Isaac Mizrahi, and appeared in fashion campaigns that highlighted his distinctive features and understated charm.
Writers who mentioned him in memoirs and interviews, including Mark Ronson in his book Night People, described Ethan as thoughtful, quietly intense, and magnetic in a way that reflected the influence of both his parents.
But Ethan’s interests extended even further. Embracing the music world from a different angle, he founded Spinside Records, an offshoot of Jackson Browne’s independent label, Inside Recordings.
The project signaled Ethan’s desire to find his own voice in the industry — not as a performer but as someone shaping sound, supporting artists, and developing new projects behind the scenes.
It became one of his most personal and meaningful ventures.
Jackson Browne is also the father of Ryan Browne, age 43, whom he shares with ex-wife Lynne Sweeney.
Ryan, like Ethan, grew up navigating the complex world of music and fame, but each son forged his own identity and path.
Jackson Browne — A Legendary Career Now Shadowed by Personal Grief
Jackson Browne remains one of America’s most influential and admired singer-songwriters.
Known for his introspective writing, emotive vocals, and ability to turn personal reflection into universal truth, Browne helped define a generation of California rock musicians during the 1970s.
Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to American parents and raised in Los Angeles, Browne immersed himself in music early on.
By his twenties, he had already become a respected songwriter, creating material that resonated with audiences searching for authenticity.
His breakthrough songs — “Doctor My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” “The Pretender,” and countless others — became part of America’s cultural landscape.
His 1977 album Running on Empty in particular became a landmark in music history, blending live recordings, hotel-room demos, and road stories into one unforgettable musical narrative.
Over the decades, Browne earned multiple Grammy nominations, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and used his platform to advocate for environmental causes, humanitarian issues, and social awareness.
Despite his success, Browne always described fatherhood as one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Through years of tours, recording sessions, activism, and public appearances, he remained dedicated to both of his sons.
Now, he faces a heartbreak that even a lifetime of songwriting cannot ease — the loss of a child he loved deeply.
A Family’s Grief, A Nation’s Reflection
News of Ethan’s passing spread quickly, and messages of sympathy began pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, actors, friends, and people whose lives have been touched by Jackson Browne’s music.
Many shared stories about how Browne’s lyrics shaped important moments in their lives, and how they felt compelled to support him during this unimaginable time.
Some wrote about Ethan himself — recalling encounters at concerts, industry events, or modeling shoots.
Others expressed condolences simply as human beings who understood the profound pain of losing someone so young.
The tragedy has reminded many of the fragile nature of life and the unseen struggles people may carry behind the scenes, far from cameras, stages, or spotlights.
Ethan, like his parents, lived a life intersecting creativity, complexity, and quiet resilience.
His passing leaves a void not only in his family but also in the communities he touched.
For Jackson Browne, this moment marks one of the most painful chapters of his life — a chapter defined not by music or fame, but by the enduring love and grief of a father who has now lost both a partner and a child far too soon.
Rest in Peace, Ethan Browne
May your memory live on with gentleness and dignity.
May your family find comfort in the love that surrounds them.
And may your journey be remembered with respect, compassion, and peace.
Jackson Browne is mourning an unimaginable and heartbreaking loss following the sudden passing of his son, Ethan Browne.
The 77-year-old music icon shared the devastating news on Wednesday, November 26, issuing a somber family statement on Facebook.
In the announcement, the family confirmed that Ethan — who had built a career as both an actor and a model — died at the age of 52.
As of now, no cause of death has been released, and the family has chosen to keep those details private.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share that on the morning of November 25, 2025, Ethan Browne … was found unresponsive in his home and has passed away,” the family wrote.
They continued by asking for “privacy and respect” as they navigate this painful time, adding that no further information would be shared at the moment.
For Jackson Browne, the loss carries an especially heavy emotional weight, echoing a tragedy he experienced decades earlier.
Ethan’s mother, Phyllis Major — who married Browne in 1975 — died by suicide the following year at only 30 years old.
Ethan was just a toddler at the time, too young to understand the magnitude of the loss but deeply affected by it throughout his life.
This newer heartbreak marks the second profound family tragedy for Browne, making Ethan’s death even more devastating.
Ethan Browne — A Life Marked by Talent, Complexity, and Quiet Strength
Ethan Browne’s life was intertwined with his father’s long before he could fully understand fame or legacy.
As an infant, he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in 1974 — a symbolic moment that captured a young father and his child during the peak of Browne’s early career.
That cover became an iconic snapshot of the era and offered the world a first glimpse at Ethan.
As he grew, Ethan carved out a path that blended creativity, independence, and quiet introspection.
He pursued acting, securing small roles that showcased his talent, including a memorable part in the 2004 comedy-drama Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson.
Although acting was not his only passion, it allowed him to explore the artistic world he had grown up around.
Beyond the film industry, Ethan became noted for his striking appearance and natural ease in front of the camera — qualities that helped him build a successful modeling career.
He worked with several well-known designers, including Isaac Mizrahi, and appeared in fashion campaigns that highlighted his distinctive features and understated charm.
Writers who mentioned him in memoirs and interviews, including Mark Ronson in his book Night People, described Ethan as thoughtful, quietly intense, and magnetic in a way that reflected the influence of both his parents.
But Ethan’s interests extended even further. Embracing the music world from a different angle, he founded Spinside Records, an offshoot of Jackson Browne’s independent label, Inside Recordings.
The project signaled Ethan’s desire to find his own voice in the industry — not as a performer but as someone shaping sound, supporting artists, and developing new projects behind the scenes.
It became one of his most personal and meaningful ventures.
Jackson Browne is also the father of Ryan Browne, age 43, whom he shares with ex-wife Lynne Sweeney.
Ryan, like Ethan, grew up navigating the complex world of music and fame, but each son forged his own identity and path.
Jackson Browne — A Legendary Career Now Shadowed by Personal Grief
Jackson Browne remains one of America’s most influential and admired singer-songwriters.
Known for his introspective writing, emotive vocals, and ability to turn personal reflection into universal truth, Browne helped define a generation of California rock musicians during the 1970s.
Born on October 9, 1948, in Heidelberg, Germany, to American parents and raised in Los Angeles, Browne immersed himself in music early on.
By his twenties, he had already become a respected songwriter, creating material that resonated with audiences searching for authenticity.
His breakthrough songs — “Doctor My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” “The Pretender,” and countless others — became part of America’s cultural landscape.
His 1977 album Running on Empty in particular became a landmark in music history, blending live recordings, hotel-room demos, and road stories into one unforgettable musical narrative.
Over the decades, Browne earned multiple Grammy nominations, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and used his platform to advocate for environmental causes, humanitarian issues, and social awareness.
Despite his success, Browne always described fatherhood as one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Through years of tours, recording sessions, activism, and public appearances, he remained dedicated to both of his sons.
Now, he faces a heartbreak that even a lifetime of songwriting cannot ease — the loss of a child he loved deeply.
A Family’s Grief, A Nation’s Reflection
News of Ethan’s passing spread quickly, and messages of sympathy began pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, actors, friends, and people whose lives have been touched by Jackson Browne’s music.
Many shared stories about how Browne’s lyrics shaped important moments in their lives, and how they felt compelled to support him during this unimaginable time.
Some wrote about Ethan himself — recalling encounters at concerts, industry events, or modeling shoots.
Others expressed condolences simply as human beings who understood the profound pain of losing someone so young.
The tragedy has reminded many of the fragile nature of life and the unseen struggles people may carry behind the scenes, far from cameras, stages, or spotlights.
Ethan, like his parents, lived a life intersecting creativity, complexity, and quiet resilience.
His passing leaves a void not only in his family but also in the communities he touched.
For Jackson Browne, this moment marks one of the most painful chapters of his life — a chapter defined not by music or fame, but by the enduring love and grief of a father who has now lost both a partner and a child far too soon.
Rest in Peace, Ethan Browne
May your memory live on with gentleness and dignity.
May your family find comfort in the love that surrounds them.
And may your journey be remembered with respect, compassion, and peace.
