Iconic Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson is facing a challenging chapter in his life as his family seeks conservatorship amid his battle with a “major neurocognitive disorder”.
The move comes in the wake of the recent passing of his beloved wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson, who had been managing his daily affairs.
The 81-year-old musical legend is currently under medical care and is taking medication for dementia, as confirmed by a doctor’s declaration filed alongside the conservatorship petition in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday.
The petition specifically requests the appointment of two of Wilson’s longtime representatives, publicist Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard, as conservators to oversee his personal and medical decisions.
According to the court filing, the petition asserts that Wilson is currently unable to adequately provide for his own personal needs, including physical health, food, clothing, or shelter. The decision to pursue conservatorship was reportedly made after consultations involving Wilson himself, his seven children, caretaker Gloria Ramos, and his medical team.
In a statement posted on Wilson’s social media accounts on Thursday, the family explained, “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.”
“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 family added.
The news has garnered an outpouring of support from fans worldwide, who have flooded social media with messages of love and encouragement for the legendary musician.
The news comes at an already challenging time for Wilson following the heartbreaking loss of his “beloved” wife who passed away at the age of 77.
Wilson shared the devastating news in a moving Instagram post, revealing that he his “heart is broken”.
“Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning,” he wrote at the time.
“Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. 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. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her.
“Love and Mercy Brian.”
Wilson and Melinda tied the knot in 1995, expanding their family through the adoption of Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan, and Dash.
Their love story began in 1986 when she sold him a Cadillac, leading to a three-year on-and-off courtship. Fate intervened in 1992 when the God Only Knows hitmaker and his future bride crossed paths in Los Angeles, reigniting their romance.
In 2014, their love story became the subject of the biographical film Love & Mercy, featuring John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks portraying Brian and Melinda.
-with AP.