January 1, Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson Granted Conservatorship Due to Declining Health

A Los Angeles judge recently ruled that Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson requires a conservatorship due to a “major neurocognitive disorder”, according to The Associated Press.

In February, Wilson’s family filed for conservatorship after the musician was diagnosed with dementia. This decision was also influenced by the recent passing of Brian’s wife, Melinda Wilson.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T. May stated during a brief hearing, “I find from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary”. The judge also mentioned that evidence shows Wilson consents to the arrangement and lacks the capacity to make health care decisions.

Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard, his longtime representatives, have been appointed as Wilson’s conservators.

In a statement released in February, when the family initially sought conservatorship, they said, “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, we are confirming that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-conservators of the person.”

Melinda, prior to her death, took care of Brian’s “daily living needs,” including “physical health, food, clothing, or shelter,” according to a court document. In his advance health care directive, Melinda was named as his agent for healthcare; however, a successor was not put in place before her death. Wilson announced the death of his wife on Jan. 30.

The family statement continued: “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.” Furthermore, “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.”

Wilson had previously been under a conservatorship in the 1990s due to concerns linked to psychologist Eugene Landy, who had become a live-in psychologist and business partner for Wilson. Family members alleged that Landy over-medicated Wilson based on a paranoid schizophrenic diagnosis, prompting a conservatorship request to separate Wilson from the doctor.

The Beach Boys, consisting of Brian, his two brothers Carl and Dennis, cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine, have been one of the most commercially successful groups of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

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