The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden passing of Ethan Zane Browne, the 52-year-old son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Jackson Browne and late model-actress Phyllis Major. According to an official statement posted on Jackson Browne’s verified Facebook page, Ethan was found unresponsive at his home on the morning of November 25 and was later pronounced dead. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

“We ask for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time. No further details are available at this moment,” the statement read.

A Life in the Shadows of Fame

Born on November 2, 1973, in Los Angeles, California, Ethan Browne was the only child of Jackson Browne and Phyllis Major, a model and actress known for her work in the 1960s and 70s. Tragedy first struck Ethan’s life early—Phyllis Major died by suicide in 1976 when Ethan was just two years old.

Raised primarily by his father, Ethan maintained a relatively private life despite growing up in one of music’s most respected families. He explored creative paths of his own, working as a model, photographer, and occasional actor. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he appeared in fashion campaigns for designers like Isaac Mizrahi, and according to reports, he also worked on commercial and television projects.

Ethan’s acting credits include a small role in the 2004 comedy Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson, and earlier appearances in short-lived television productions.

A Family Legacy

While Ethan never pursued music in the same public way as his father, his life remained closely connected to the arts. He was known by close friends and collaborators as a sensitive and visually gifted creative, with an eye for photography and a deep appreciation for storytelling.

In addition to his father, Ethan is survived by his half-brother Ryan Daniel Browne, born in 1982 to Jackson Browne and Lynne Sweeney, and by his own wife and children, though details about his personal life have been kept out of the public spotlight. According to public records and limited interviews, Ethan prioritized family and maintained a relatively quiet lifestyle.

A Private Man, A Profound Loss

The news of Ethan Browne’s passing has stunned fans of the Browne family and the wider creative community. For a figure who largely avoided the limelight, his death has nevertheless created a ripple of grief among those who admired him for his understated presence and quiet talent.

At 52, his passing feels premature. And though the circumstances remain unknown, the silence surrounding his final days has only deepened public sorrow. In a world increasingly defined by constant exposure, Ethan Browne stood out as someone who chose privacy over performance, family over fame.

He leaves behind not just a mourning family, but an unspoken legacy of resilience, artistic curiosity, and gentle independence.