David Cassidy, the popular folk singer and former star of The Patridge Family, passed away today at a hospital in Florida.
He was 67 years old.
Said the star’s family via statement tonight:
On behalf of the entire Cassidy family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy.
David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long.
Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.”
The artist was rushed to said hospital late last week due to organ failure, with multiple outlets writing that he required a near-immediate kidney transplant to survive.
He was initially placed in a medically-induced coma, although sources said he was later drifting in and out of consciousness before the end arrived.
Cassidy was moved to the intensive care unit on Sunday as his condition worsened.
Cassidy rose to fame as Keith Patridge, the son of Shirley Partridge, on the beloved 1970s sitcom The Partridge Family.
The series centered on a family of musicians and propelled David to teenage superstardom.
He was one of the most popular singers in the country forty-plus years ago; you could almost refer to him as the Justin Bieber of his era, considering his fame among young women at the time.
Cassidy later enjoyed a career in both acting and music, only recently retiring from the entertainment field.
Throughout his career, however, Cassidy struggled with alcohol abuse issues that resulted in drunk driving arrests in 2010, 2013 and 2014, along with a stint in rehab.
He filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
In February of this year, Cassidy also opened up about his battle with dementia.
“I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming,” Cassidy told People Magazine, shortly after he forgot lyrics to a few songs during a live performance in California.
He told the publication that his mother also struggled with this tragic mental disorder.
It was due to this diagnosis that Cassidy stopped going on tour.
“I want to focus on what I am, who I am and how I’ve been without any distractions,” Cassidy said several months ago, adding;
“I want to love. I want to enjoy life.”
Insiders say Cassidy was surrounded by loved ones when he passed away.
The late star appeared on The Partridge Family for four years alongside Danny Bonaduce, who released the following statement back when Cassidy confessed to his dementia:
“David Cassidy once had a bigger fan club than Elvis & the Beatles. If you’re a fan, now is a great time to send him your love & best wishes.”
The same now applies in the wake of Cassidy’s death, in regard to the singer/actor’s friends, family members and loved ones.
May David Cassidy rest in peace.
