Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys is suffering from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia),” prompting his team to file for a conservatorship.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, “When someone is no longer able to handle his or her own financial or personal affairs, the court can appoint an individual or professional to act on behalf of the incapacitated person.”
The conservatorship petition reveals that Brian Wilson is grappling with a ‘neurocognitive disorder,’ rendering him incapable of adequately tending to his essential personal requirements such as physical health, sustenance, attire, or housing.
As per a court filing by the 81-year-old artist’s attorneys this week, Wilson is “unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing or shelter.”
A doctor concluded, “He is easily distracted, often even when aware of surroundings, and its purpose. 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.”
He is currently taking medication to “slow the progression of the illness.”
Filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the petition suggests two conservators: Jean Sievers, described as Wilson’s “longtime publicist and manager,” and LeeAnn Hard, his “longtime business manager.”
The family specified that they requested the court to appoint Sievers and Hard due to their extensive and trusted relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson over many years, with Mr. Wilson expressing his confidence in them.
Wilson’s family disclosed on Instagram that this decision followed the passing of his wife of nearly 30 years and came after thorough consultation with his seven children, doctors, and housekeeper.
“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.”
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Wilson’s conservatorship follows closely behind a significant personal loss—the passing of his wife, Melinda Kay Ledbetter Wilson, on January 30, 2024. Wilson publicly mourned her death in a heartfelt social media tribute.
“My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. 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.”
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Ultimately, the goal is for Wilson to continue residing in his home, with Ms. Sievers and Ms. Hard committed to fulfilling all his daily living requirements and providing the highest level of care possible.
A hearing is currently scheduled to determine if a judge will approve placing the iconic Beach Boys star under a conservatorship, with court records showing a hearing date of April 26, 2024.
Additionally, just days before the conservatorship announcement, Rolling Stone reported that Wilson and his longtime Beach Boys manager, Fred Vail, are collaborating on an upcoming country record set to release sometime next year.
The project, titled “Cows in the Pasture,” had been shelved for over five decades before its anticipated release.
READ MORE: The Beach Boys’ Frontman Brian Wilson Releasing 50-Year-Old Country Album
Listen to Wilson discuss learning how to write music and film scoring below.