Brian Wilson’s family files for conservatorship after Beach Boys co-founder diagnosed with dementia

United States

Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson may soon be under a conservatorship following the diagnosis of a “major neurocognitive disorder,” such as dementia, according to recent reports. 

The family filed for a conservatorship with the Superior Court of California on Feb. 14, and said in documents obtained by People Magazine that the musician, 81, was unable to “properly provide” for his personal needs. 

Celebrities have been in the news in recent years for a lack of estate planning — including those who have died intestate, like Prince, or who left behind controversial documents, as Lisa Marie Presley did — but Wilson did have some documents in order. His wife, Melinda, who died Jan. 30 at age 77, was named as his agent in an advance healthcare directive, and she was the person who attended to his everyday needs, People reported. The documents filed on Wednesday are a follow-up to that directive, because the singer-songwriter did not name a successor to his late wife. 

“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,” the family said in a statement on social media.

Ramos was identified as the housekeeper, People reported. The family told the magazine that family representatives LeeAnn Hard, who is Wilson’s agent for power of attorney, and Jean Sievers will serve as co-conservators.

The news of the possible conservatorship comes on the heels of a filing by comedian and late-night host Jay Leno for a conservatorship for his wife, Mavis Leno, in an effort to carry out estate planning on her behalf. 

Wilson’s court hearing is slated for April 26, according to court files seen by MarketWatch.