Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson’s family has filed for a conservatorship after the musician’s wife Melinda passed away last month. According to the documents, Wilson, 81, is suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).” Before her passing, Melinda was his main caretaker, assisting Wilson with his “daily living needs,” involving “physical health, food, clothing, or shelter,” according to a court document obtained by Fox. “Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and consistent with family processes put in place by Brian and Melinda), we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person,” Wilson’s family said in a statement. “This decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and Brian and the children living at home will be taken care of and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family,” the statement continued. “Brian will be able to enjoy all of his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in any activities he chooses.”
His wife, Melinda, passed away on January 30, 2024 at the age of 77. Along with assisting Wilson with his daily needs, the singer also had an “Advance Health Care Directive” naming Melinda as the “agent” for his health. Since the directive did not list a successor to Melinda, Wilson’s team has asked the court to appoint a conservator. Sievers and Hard were proposed to be the co-conservators because they “have had a close relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for many years, and Mr. Wilson trusts them.” Hard is also Wilson’s “agent under his power of attorney.” Sievers and Hard intend to “ensure that all of Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs are [satisfied] and he has the best possible care while remaining in his home.” The court hearing is scheduled for April 26th, although Wilson’s doctor shared that he would not attend the hearing. “He is easily distracted, often even when aware of surroundings, and its purpose,” his doctor wrote. “Often makes spontaneous irrelevant or incoherent utterances. Has very short attention span and while unintentionally disruptive, is frequently unable to maintain decorum appropriate to the situation.”