Sad news: ’70s teen heartthrob and pop idol David Cassidy has died.
The star had been hospitalized last week for liver and kidney failure, ultimately succumbing to organ failure on Tuesday. In a statement to People, his family said, “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.”
Earlier this year, David Cassidy revealed that he had been diagnosed with early onset dementia and also announced his plans to retire: “I want to focus on what I am, who I am, and how I’ve been without any distractions. I want to love. I want to enjoy life.”
In the ’70s, Cassidy starred as Keith Partridge on the classic show The Partridge Family, about a widowed mother and her kids who form a band and travel around the country touring. The show aired from 1970-1974 and launched David Cassidy into teel idol superstardom. The year it premiered, he sang lead vocals on “I Think I Love You,” backed up by the show’s pop group (the Partridge Family) and also the show’s matriarch (and Cassidy’s real-life stepmother), Shirley Jones. The song became a #1 hit. In his heyday, Cassidy was the highest-paid solo artist in the world and eventually sold over 30 million albums throughout his career. Following a series of struggles post-Partridge, including alcoholism, three divorces, and financial and bankruptcy issues, Cassidy continued to be active performing and even starring in a number of Broadway shows.
Surviving family members include Jones and also Cassidy’s children, Katie (star of the CW’s Arrow) and Beau (also an actor).
David Cassidy: Celeb Reactions
I? have known, loved, and admired David Cassidy for 48 out of my 58 years. He has been as kind to me as any real brother could ever be. We’ve been through a lot together and he was always there for me. This loss is huge. RIP my dear friend. pic.twitter.com/eKdRyAuW2B
— Danny Bonaduce (@TheDoochMan) November 22, 2017
Heartbroken over the passing of #DavidCassidy. He graced the covers of teen magazines w/ my Brothers in the ‘70s. My condolences to his Family. ???????? #RIP #PartridgeFamily #DavidsHitSong #70sIcon #IWokeUpInLoveThisMorning pic.twitter.com/EUJXr8YBwb
— Marie Osmond (@marieosmond) November 22, 2017
Very sad to say goodbye to an old friend. #DavidCassidy & I shared dozens of teen magazine covers & wall space in the rooms of countless teenaged girls. I enjoyed spending time w/ him & getting to know him through the years. My thoughts are with his loved ones. #RIP pic.twitter.com/KyC9Qsb9tm
— Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) November 22, 2017
#DavidCassidy. You were so sweet to me and you left us too soon. To me and millions of us you were forever young. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3JcjvKiUIA
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) November 22, 2017
#DavidCassidy and The Partridge Family were my childhood. He made a huge impact on my cultural universe. Sending love and respect to his family.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) November 22, 2017
So sad to hear about #DavidCassidy. This photo is from when he surprised me at my apartment for my talk show in 2012. He was such a part of my childhood and if you’re close to my age and a woman, probably yours too. Sending sympathy to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/dQB8ps16M1
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) November 22, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of David Cassidy … part of a musical legacy via his role as “Keith Partridge” that brought music and laughter into the homes of millions … ????????????? pic.twitter.com/tgj1IXkUBt
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) November 22, 2017
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