Rock legend with dementia now under conservatorship after wife’s death

Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson is now under a conservatorship just months after his wife Melinda passed away, according to a new court filing.

In February, Wilson’s family announced they would seek a conservatorship for the musician, 81, after the death of his wife, Melinda, in late January.

People reports two conservators were approved for Wilson, according to a new court filing on May 9. According to the filing obtained by People, Wilson’s business manager LeeAnn Hard and longtime manager Jean Siever were appointed as his conservators.

Hard and Sievers are “granted authority to authorize the administration of medications appropriate for the care and treatment of Major Neurocognitive Disorder” after the court found that Wilson “lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions.” The court also said Wilson’s children (Carnie, Wendy, Dakota Rose, Dylan, Delanie Rae, Dash and Daria) must be consulted by Hard and Sievers regarding any healthcare decisions.

Read the full People report.

According to the National Institutes of Health, “major neurocognitive disorder” is the term used to describe what was previously known as dementia.

“Dementia describes an overall decline in memory and other cognitive skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities,” the NIH website says. “It is characterized by the progressive and persistent deterioration of cognitive function. Affected patients often have memory loss and a partial or significant lack of insight into their deficits.”

Documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in February said Wilson has “a major neurocognitive disorder” and “is unable to properly provide for his own personal needs for physical health,” according to reports by The New York Times, ABC News and other media outlets. A hearing on the family’s petition for the conservatorship was scheduled for April 30.

In February, Wilson’s family confirmed its decision to pursue a conservatorship with a post on his Instagram page, saying:

“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 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.”

Court documents indicated that Wilson was not able to attend a hearing for the conservatorship because it would be emotionally stressful and physically difficult. A HuffPost report said Wilson is “easily distracted, often even when aware of surroundings.”

Melinda Wilson, who died on Jan. 30 at age 77, married Wilson in 1995 and later became his manager. She was a caregiver and champion for Wilson, who famously struggled with his mental health over the years, battling depression, substance abuse and more.

“Melinda was more than my wife,” Wilson said in an Instagram tribute after her death. “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.”

Brian and Wilson’s relationship is depicted in the critically acclaimed film “Love & Mercy,” starring John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks.

Wilson, a singer, songwriter, composer and producer, was one of the key founders of the Beach Boys in 1961, and is widely credited as the prime architect of the band’s surf-rock sound and distinctive harmonies. Later, Wilson moved on to more complex compositions for the band that included elements of jazz and classical music, as well as unusual instrumentation, sound effects and spiritual/mystical themes.

Wilson’s long list of credits includes Beach Boys hits such as “Surfin’ USA,” “In My Room,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Surfer Girl,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Good Vibrations,” “God Only Knows” and many more. His resume also includes highly influential albums such as “Pet Sounds,” “Surfer Girl,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Little Deuce Coupe” and more.

Wilson is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Beach Boys, a two-time Grammy winner and member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Wilson stopped touring with the Beach Boys in 1964 after suffering a nervous breakdown and focused on songwriting and producing. His relationship with the band has been thorny and complicated over the years, marked by public rifts, lawsuits and more. Wilson’s personal life has been difficult, as well, chronicled in documentaries such as 1995′s “Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” and 2021′s “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.”

Wilson re-emerged as a solo artist in the late ‘80s, releasing several albums, including a long-awaited project called “Brian Wilson Presents Smile.” Wilson also began to tour again and appeared in the Birmingham area in 2000 and 2017 with his “Pet Sounds” tour.

Wilson’s history in Alabama also includes a “Shower of Stars” concert at Birmingham’s Legion Field on May 7, 1965, headlining a multi-act bill with the Beach Boys. The 7 p.m. show, presented by radio station WVOK-AM, was billed as a music battle between the England and the United States. It also featured the Rolling Stones, Righteous Brothers, Marty Robbins, Sonny James, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves, Archie “Rindercella” Campbell and Cannibal and the Headhunters.

In March, Disney+ announced “The Beach Boys,” an all-new documentary, will stream on the platform beginning May 24. The Disney announcement said the film is “a celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other luminaries in the music business, including Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monáe, Ryan Tedder, and Don Was.”

Big Machine Records and Surfdog Records in April released “Strong,” a new track from “Glen Campbell Duets,” featuring Campbell and Wilson. Wilson contributed his vocals to the song written by Campbell (with help from the album’s producer, Julian Raymond) about facing life with his Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis. “Featuring beautiful swelling harmonies and instrumental experimentation reminiscent of The Beach Boys’ iconic Pet Sounds album, the beautiful, track exudes optimism despite its heartbreaking lyrics—much like putting on a strong face for your loved ones,” a press release said.