Brian Wilson’s family is seeking a conservatorship for the Beach Boys co-founder following the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter.
Wilson, 81, suffers from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),” according to court documents obtained by Pvnew.
“After careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, [family friend and caretaker] 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,” read a statement shared on Wilson’s Instagram account Thursday.
The family explained that the legal decision will not result in any “extreme changes” in Wilson’s day-to-day life, as he will “be taken care of and remain” in his home.
“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 concluded.
Wilson’s team said in their court filing that Ledbetter had attended to her husband’s “daily living needs” and was his “healthcare proxy” prior to her death on Jan. 30 at the age of 77.
The couple had been married since 1995.
Following Ledbetter’s death, the family turned to Hard and Sievers to become Wilson’s legal guardians because the duo “have had a close relationship” with him “for many years,” per the documents.
Since Wilson is “unable to properly provide for his … personal needs for physical health, food, clothing or shelter,” according to the filing, Hard and Sievers have been entrusted with giving him the “best possible care while remaining in his home.”
Wilson also “does not have the capacity” to give consent to the “administration of medications,” which have been prescribed to him to “slow the progression of the illness,” the documents state.
The legendary musician is not expected to attend a court hearing scheduled for April 26, as his team says he is “easily distracted” and “unintentionally disruptive.”
Wilson, who famously has struggled with his mental health for decades, was placed under a conservatorship once before.
In 1991, his family sought the help of a court after controversial psychologist Eugene Landy exerted “undue influence” over Wilson, including redrafting the “God only Knows” singer’s will to become the chief beneficiary of his multimillion-dollar estate.
The following year, a restraining order was put into place, barring Landy from ever contacting Wilson again.
The Beach Boys are going on tour this summer without the “Pet Sounds” mastermind, whose daughter Carnie Wilson said last year that her father “probably” would never perform again.
The Blast was first to report the news of the conservatorship filing.
