16 February 2024 , 08:27
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Brian Wilson is reportedly suffering from dementia and is no longer able to look after himself less than a month after the death of his wife Melinda Ledbetter.
The Beach Boys musician's family has placed the 81-year-old under a conservatorship because of his "major neurocognitive disorder". They announced the news in a statement shared with Brian's followers on Instagram, referencing his wife's passing.
He's no longer able to take medication and isn't able to 'make informed decisions about his care', per the filing. His family says the new conservatorship decision was made to "ensure that there will be no extreme changes to the household".
READ MORE: Brian Wilson 'heartbroken' as Beach Boys frontman announces the death of his wife
Brian is reportedly unable to look after himself (snapshot-photography/K C Kompe/REX/Shutterstock)They wrote: "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.
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"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. The Wilson family," the statement concluded, sparking supportive comments from friends and followers.
One wrote: "This man must be protected at all costs. He’s pure, and a national treasure." While someone else said: "Please please please take care of Brian. He’s heart and soul are so gentle and I can imagine so fragile at this time. Prayers for Brian and the Wilson family. My heart goes out to them." Another added: "We love you Brian."
His family have filed to place him under conservatorship (Getty Images North America)It comes after Wilson said his "heart is broken" as he announced the death of his wife Melinda last month. Melinda was 77 years old. The frontman took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a lengthy tribute. "My heart is broken. Melinda, my beloved wife of 28 years, passed away this morning. Our five children and I are just in tears."
"We are lost. Melinda was more than my wife. She was my savior. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career," he wrote. "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. Love and Mercy Brian."
Brian and Melinda first met when she sold him a Cadillac in 1986 and they dated on-and-off for three years. After rekindling their romance in 1992, the couple got married in 1995 and adopted children Dakota Rose, Daria Rose, Delanie Rose, Dylan and Dash.
Melinda and Brian were the focus of the 2014 biopic Love and Mercy, which starred John Cusack and Elizabeth Banks. The film offered fans an insight into Brian's struggles with mental illness and his complicated relationship with his therapist and legal guardian Dr Eugene Landy. It was Melinda who helped to free Brian from this relationship and in 1991, his brother, mother and daughters sued Landy, arguing he'd exerted "undue influence" over Brian's life. They won the lawsuit and Landy was barred from contacting Brian.