The children of iconic Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson have provided an update regarding their legendary musician father’s well-being after he was placed into conservatorship.
At 81 years old, Wilson is presently under medical supervision and undergoing treatment for dementia, as confirmed by a doctor’s declaration submitted alongside a conservatorship petition earlier this year in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Following a hearing on Thursday, May 9, the petition, initiated by Wilson’s family and close circle after the passing of his wife, received approval from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T. May. Judge May’s decision stemmed from what he described as “clear and convincing evidence” necessitating the conservatorship.
As Wilson navigates his diagnosis and conservatorship, he recently reunited with his fellow Beach Boys band members at the premiere of the new documentary The Beach Boys on Tuesday, May 21.
While fans were no doubt delighted to see Wilson and his fellow bandmates together again, Wilson’s daughters, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson, were equally happy to see their father “doing really good”.
“He is doing great! He is doing great. Everyday he is in physical therapy. I’m cooking for him, he’s spending a lot of time with his children now, his family,” Carnie told Entertainment Tonight.
“I’m so happy he’s here tonight.”
Wendy also expressed positivity about how her father is faring “under the circumstances”, revealing that “he’s very tough”.
“I think he’s doing really good under the circumstances that he’s going through right now,” Wendy said.
“But, you know, he’s a survivor. That’s my dad. He’s very tough, a very strong person.
“So yeah, I’m glad that he’s coming tonight and I think that he’ll really enjoy it, actually.”
While Tuesday’s premiere and being able to reunite with his bandmates would have no doubt been a welcomed experience for Wilson it comes after what has been a challenging period for the musician, following the recent loss of his beloved wife earlier this year. Wilson shared the heartbreaking news through a touching Instagram post, expressing the profound void left by her departure and the immense role she played in his life and career.
“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 remains highly revered and celebrated as a co-founder, producer, arranger, and chief songwriter of the Beach Boys. His groundbreaking contributions to music, particularly his innovative approaches to vocal harmony, have left a lasting mark on the industry.
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 alongside his bandmates, including his brothers Carl and Dennis and his cousin Mike Love, Wilson’s musical legacy continues to captivate musicians and fans worldwide.