Newly filed court documents reveal that The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson has dementia and, according to those closest to him, can no longer properly look after himself.
His family, doctors and arrangements made between Wilson and his late wife, Melinda Ledbetter, have agreed to place the musician under a conservatorship run by his longtime representatives, LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers.
According to court documents obtained by The Daily Mail, Hard and Sievers petitioned in court to designate themselves as Wilson’s conservators.
The court documents state that Wilson is suffering from “major neurocognitive disorders (including dementia)” and is unable to maintain his “physical health, food, clothing, or shelter”. The documents also stated that before her passing, Ledbetter took to caring for Wilson’s “daily living needs.”
The Wilson family backed up the report by posting a statement to social media, writing that the conservatorship is in place to reduce changes in the household and care for Wilson and his family. The statement reads:
Following the passing of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, [housekeeper] 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.
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 and remain in the home where they are cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the house who have been in place for many years helping take care of the family.
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 Wilson family
Today’s sad news follows the recent revelation that Brian Wilson’s 1970 unfinished country music album, Cows In The Pasture, could finally be released soon.
Cows In The Pasture is being revived with “all-star” guest vocalists, with Wilson on board as executive producer and providing vocals on one of the tracks.
In other Brian Wilson news, the singer will star on Glen Campbell Duets – Ghost On The Canvas Sessions, the upcoming tribute album that reimagines Campbell’s original 2011 album Ghost On The Canvas. He’ll be covering the song Strong. The album will be released on Friday, 19 April.
