In the legal docs, the family quoted a doctor saying that the 81-year-old was 'easily distracted, often even when aware of surroundings' and 'often makes spontaneous irrelevant or incoherent utterances.'
- Feb 16, 2024
AceShowbiz - Brian Wilson's family has taken a legal step to take care of him amid his battle with dementia. The family of The Beach Boys icon reportedly filed for a conservatorship over the musician following his "major neurocognitive disorder" diagnosis.
In the legal docs, the family quoted a doctor saying that the 81-year-old was "easily distracted, often even when aware of surroundings" and "often makes spontaneous irrelevant or incoherent utterances." The musician is also "unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter."
In a statement to PEOPLE, Brian's family declared, "Following the passing of Brian's beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation among Brian, his seven children, 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," the message added. "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."
The news arrived a few weeks after Brian confirmed his wife Melinda Ledbetter Wilson's death. "Our five children and I are just in tears. We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my saviour. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career," he penned on Instagram alongside a throwback photo of Melinda.
"She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart," the Grammy winner continued. "She was my anchor. She was everything for us. Please say a prayer for her. Love and Mercy Brian."
Brian married Melinda in 1995, and the couple adopted children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash. They first met when she sold him a Cadillac in 1986, and they dated on and off for three years.
The pair then met again in 1992 in Los Angeles and rekindled their romance. Brian told PEOPLE about Melinda, who is credited with helping save Brian from his struggles with mental illness, "I've never had a relationship with a girl like we have. She's a partner who's also a best friend."
