The family of Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys, filed for guardianship this week. According to the filing, the musician, 81, suffers from a “major neurocognitive disorder (such as dementia).”
“Following the death of Brian’s beloved wife Melinda, after careful consideration and consultation with Brian, his seven children, Gloria Ramos and Brian’s doctors (and in accordance with the family processes established by Brian and Melinda), we confirm that longtime Wilson family representatives LeeAnn Hard and Jean Sievers will serve as Brian’s co-guardians of the person,” Wilson’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday.
“This decision was made to ensure that there would be no extreme changes in the household and that Brian and the children living at home would be cared for and remain in the home being cared for by Gloria Ramos and the wonderful team at the home. who have been there for many years and help take care of the family,” the statement continued.
According to Slate, Ramos is Wilson’s housekeeper.
Wilson’s family added that the legendary musician can still “enjoy his family and friends and continue to work on current projects as well as participate in whatever activities he chooses.”
All about the decades-long love story of Brian Wilson and his late wife Melinda
Brian Wilson and Melinda Wilson in Beverly Hills in January 2016.
John Shearer/Getty
In the court filing, obtained by PEOPLE, Wilson’s team notes that he is “unable to properly meet his personal needs for physical health, food, clothing or shelter.”
His wife, Melinda Wilson, died on January 30 at the age of 77 and helped him overcome his mental illness. According to the documents, she was “taking care of Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs, since Mr. Wilson is unable to properly meet his personal needs for physical health, food, clothing or shelter” and that the singer had an “Advance Health Care Directive” appointing Melinda as an “agent” for his health care.
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Since the directive did not name an heir for Melinda, Wilson’s team asked the court to appoint a conservator. Sievers and Hard were nominated as co-conservators because “they have had a close relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for many years and are trusted by Mr. Wilson.” Hard is also Wilson’s “agent under his power of attorney.”
Hard and Siever’s intention is to “ensure that all of Mr. Wilson’s daily living needs are met [satisfied] and has the best possible care while remaining in his own home,” the filing states.
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Brian Wilson in Los Angeles in 1968.
Michael Ochs/Getty Archive
Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson announces death of ‘Saviour’ wife Melinda: ‘She was my anchor’
According to the documents, Wilson would not be able to attend the court hearing. “He is easily distracted, often even when he is aware of his surroundings and their purpose,” his doctor wrote. “He often makes spontaneous irrelevant or incoherent statements. He has a very short attention span and, although unintentionally disruptive, is often unable to maintain the decorum appropriate to the situation.” His doctor added that Wilson is taking medication to slow “the progression of the disease.”
Wilson and Melinda married in 1995 and together adopted Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash. When announcing her death, Wilson called her his “savior.”
The court hearing, according to the documentation, is scheduled for April 26.
Wilson also has two daughters, Carnie and Wendy, from his first marriage.
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