Brian Wilson’s Daughter Says ‘He’s A Survivor’ Amid Health Struggles

Amid ongoing health struggles, Brian Wilson’s daughter opens up about her father’s incredible resilience, calling him a “survivor.” 

As the “Beach Boys” legend navigates his challenges, plans are also in motion to appoint guardians for his minor children, ensuring their well-being as he continues his fight.

The event, held on Tuesday at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, saw the original boy band member receive a standing ovation as he arrived in a wheelchair.

Wilson’s daughters from his first marriage to Marilyn Wilson-Rutherford – Carnie and Wendy – were also present. 

At the premiere, Carnie and Wendy spoke with ET about their father’s health struggles. Wilson was diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder and placed under a court conservatorship earlier this year.

Wendy shared her optimism about her father’s condition, saying, “I think he’s doing really good under the circumstances that he’s going through right now.”

She highlighted her father’s resilience and strength by calling him a survivor, saying, “But, you know, he’s a survivor. That’s my dad. He’s very tough, a very strong person. So yeah, I’m glad that he’s coming tonight and I think that he’ll really enjoy it, actually.”

Carnie echoed her sister’s sentiments, adding, “He is doing great! He is doing great. Everyday he is in physical therapy. I’m cooking for him, he’s spending a lot of time with his children now, his family.”

Although the 81-year-old later re-married Melinda Ledbetter in 1995 and went on to adopt five children, his first two daughters have continued to be actively involved in his care.

Although the film was described as “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,” it is unclear if Wilson’s health issues will be portrayed in it. 

Carnie spoke about the band’s lasting influence, “You know, it’s contagious. The Beach Boys music and the spirit has always been contagious.” 

Reflecting on the future impact of her father’s music, Wendy added, “I want people to feel good when they hear it and just to last forever, you know? Generation after generation. You know? Because I think it is kind of like timeless, classic music.”

As the record producer continues to grapple with his health, the welfare of his minor children —  Dakota and Dash — has become a pressing concern. 

According to documents obtained by The Blast, LeeAnn Hard, one of Wilson’s conservators, filed a request for guardianship on behalf of the children.

In the filing, Hard nominated Gloria Ramos as the guardian for the singer and his late wife’s children. She emphasized the suitability of herself and Ramos for the guardianship, citing their nominations in the couple’s wills. 

In addition to seeking authority for the children’s well-being, Hard advocated to be named guardian of their personal estate, as Dakota and Dash allegedly possessed property valued at $200,000.

Hard and Ramos asserted their intentions to act in the best interests of Dakota and Dash. The filing claimed, “Gloria Ramos has been involved with the Wilson family for nearly 40 years. She has served as their house manager during that time and is a maternal figure.” 

Similarly, Hard’s role as a “trusted advisor to the Wilson family for several years” positioned her to manage the children’s assets effectively.

With her financial expertise and understanding of the assets Dakota and Dash are set to inherit, Hard aimed to ensure the prudent management of their properties.

Before the singer’s minor children were given appropriate guardianship, Wilson’s conservatorship petition was first approved by Judge Gus T. May at the Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month. 

The Blast reported that Judge May emphasized the importance of evidence demonstrating Wilson’s consent to the arrangement, given his inability to make independent decisions about his health. During the hearing, May stated:

“I find from clear and convincing evidence that a conservatorship of the person is necessary.”

Wilson’s longtime representatives—publicist Jean Sievers and manager LeeAnn Hard—were appointed as his conservators as part of the approved conservatorship. 

This decision received no objections, including from Wilson’s children.