Brian Wilson's Family Seeks Conservatorship for Beach Boys Legend After Wife's Death
The family of Brian Wilson, the legendary co-founder and songwriter of the Beach Boys, has filed a petition to place him under a conservatorship, citing his deteriorating mental and physical health after the death of his wife, Melinda, last month.
According to court documents obtained by several US media outlets, Wilson, 81, is suffering from a "major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia)" that renders him "unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter". A doctor who examined Wilson stated that he "often makes spontaneous irrelevant or incoherent utterances" and "has very short attention span and while unintentionally disruptive, is frequently unable to maintain decorum appropriate to the situation".
The petition was filed by LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers, Wilson's longtime business manager and publicist, who have been proposed as his co-conservators, overseeing his personal and medical decisions. The filing was made with the consent and consultation of Wilson, his seven children, his housekeeper Gloria Ramos, and his doctors, according to a statement on Wilson's website.
The statement also said that the decision was made to ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household and that Wilson will continue to live at home with his children, under the care of Ramos and her team. "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," the statement read.
Wilson is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century, having written and produced dozens of hits for the Beach Boys, such as "Surfin' USA", "I Get Around", "California Girls", "Good Vibrations", and "God Only Knows". He is also the mastermind behind the acclaimed album "Pet Sounds", which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
However, Wilson has also struggled with his mental health for decades, having suffered from nervous breakdowns, drug abuse, and auditory hallucinations. He was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and mild manic depression, and has been under the care of various therapists and doctors throughout his life.
Wilson was previously placed under a conservatorship in the early 1990s, when his family fought to free him from the control of a controversial psychologist, Eugene Landy, who had allegedly exploited Wilson's finances, music, and personal life. The case was triggered by the redrafting of Wilson's will in 1989, in which Landy was named as the chief beneficiary, standing to inherit up to 70% of his estate.
Wilson married Melinda in 1995, after meeting her at a car dealership where she worked as a saleswoman. She became his main source of emotional support and stability, and helped him revive his career and reconnect with his family. They adopted five children together, some of whom still live at home. Melinda died on January 30, 2021, at the age of 77, after a long battle with cancer.
"Melinda was more than my wife," Wilson wrote in a tribute to her. "She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor."
A hearing is scheduled for April 26, 2024, to determine the new conservatorship arrangement. Wilson's family has expressed their hope that the court will approve their petition and grant them the authority to protect and care for the beloved musician
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