LOS ANGELES — Iconic singer-songwriter Jackson Browne is mourning an immeasurable loss following the death of his eldest son, Ethan Browne. The 52-year-old actor, model, and musician was found unresponsive at his home on November 25, 2025. Browne confirmed the heartbreaking news in a public statement, asking for privacy as the family navigates this devastating moment.
Although the cause of death has not been disclosed, the announcement has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from fans and colleagues across the entertainment world.
A Life Shaped by Art and Reinvention
Born in 1973 to Browne and actress-model Phyllis Major, Ethan’s life intersected with fame almost immediately. At just a few months old, he appeared with his father on the cover of Rolling Stone — an early symbol of the bond that would define their relationship.
As an adult, Ethan forged his own creative path:
- Acting in films such as Raising Helen and Hackers, and guest roles on television
- Modeling for major designers, including Isaac Mizrahi
- Music and production, launching Spinside Records, a label under his father’s creative umbrella
Those close to him describe Ethan not as someone chasing celebrity, but as a quiet artistic soul — someone who navigated the industry on his own terms.
A Family Marked by Triumph and Tragedy
Ethan’s early years were shadowed by loss, following the 1976 death of his mother. Jackson Browne has spoken candidly over the years about raising his son in the wake of that tragedy, often emphasizing that fatherhood placed deeper demands on him than any chart-topping hit.
Friends say that history profoundly shaped Ethan’s worldview — and his art.
A Community in Mourning
News of Ethan’s passing has resonated deeply throughout music and film circles, with tributes highlighting both his creative contributions and the emotional weight of Browne’s loss. For longtime admirers of the singer, the tragedy feels especially poignant given the raw honesty Browne has woven into his own work about love, loss, and time.
Legacy Beyond the Headlines
While Ethan never sought the spotlight with the intensity of his father, his life was marked by artistic curiosity, personal resilience, and a quiet influence within creative spaces. His death closes a chapter that began in the bright glare of early fame and ended far too soon.
For Jackson Browne, the loss is not just a public tragedy — it is a private heartbreak. Yet even in grief, the legacy of a father-son bond endures, imprinted in photographs, memories, and the shared language of art.
