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Beach Boys icon to be placed under conservatorship months after wife's death

10 May 2024 , 02:30
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Two family representatives will serve as his co-conservators
Two family representatives will serve as his co-conservators

A JUDGE has signed off on a conservatorship for Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson just months after he was diagnosed with dementia.

Wilson, 81, consented to the agreement and had no objections.

A judge agreed to place Brian Wilson under a conservatorship eiqrtiqkriqxhprw
A judge agreed to place Brian Wilson under a conservatorshipCredit: Getty
A petition for the conservatorship was filed shortly after the death of Wilson's wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson
A petition for the conservatorship was filed shortly after the death of Wilson's wife, Melinda Ledbetter WilsonCredit: AP
Wilson was a co-founder of the Beach Boys
Wilson was a co-founder of the Beach BoysCredit: Getty

A petition to oversee Wilson's affairs was filed in January after the death of his wife, Melinda Ledbetter Wilson.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gus T. May said there was "clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary," reported Variety.

Wilson's doctor said the musician suffered from a "major neurocognitive disorder" and needed help making healthcare decisions.

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The judge also agreed to a stipulation requested by an attorney for Wilson's eldest daughters, Carnie and Wendy Wilson.

Wilson's daughters asked that all of his children be added to a text chain from his nurses to receive updates on their father if they choose.

The addition was added to the petition before it was signed by Judge May.

Wilson has seven children, two of whom live with him.

Carnie and Wendy requested a stay on the decision but when the stipulation was granted, they didn't ask for any further delay.

In his decision, May wrote that "the conservatee lacks the capacity to make his own healthcare decisions."

His new conservators, manager-publicist Jean Sievers and business manager LeeAnn Hard, were ordered to "consult with the conservatee’s children regarding all material related healthcare decisions."

Wilson's lawyer, Robert Frank Cipriano, reported that his client agreed that he needed a conservatorship after his wife's death.

Melinda, who died at age 77, was previously in charge of her husband's affairs.

Cipriano said that Wilson was "mostly difficult to understand and gave very short responses to questions and comments" and had issues remembering the names of his other children.

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The petition said there wouldn't be major changes to Wilson's living arrangements under the conservatorship.

It also suggested that despite his impairments, Wilson can still "continue to work on current projects."

His assets are in a trust and are not being overseen as part of the conservatorship.

The judge's decision to approve Wilson's conservatorship comes as the pop icon prepares to launch new music next year.

In 1970, the Beach Boys star started working on a country album with the band's former manager Fred Vail on lead vocals.

The project was paused but has since been picked up again by the two musicians.

The album is due for release in 2025 and Wilson will be featured on guest vocals, according to Rolling Stone.

Wilson's children asked to be notified of any updates regarding his care
Wilson's children asked to be notified of any updates regarding his careCredit: Getty

Cheyenne R. Ubiera

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