“Partridge Family” star David Cassidy died Tuesday at age 67 from liver and kidney failure.
“David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long,” Cassidy’s publicist, JoAnn Geffen, revealed in a statement.
Cassidy, who was diagnosed with dementia in February 2017, was admitted to a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week after suffering from multiple organ failures. Cassidy has spoken publicly about his longtime battles with alcoholism and drug abuse, which he recently kicked.
Cassidy became a teen idol when he starred on the ABC sitcom the “Partridge Family” from 1970 to 1974, where he showcased his singing and musical talents. Cassidy’s co-star on the show was his real-life stepmother, Shirley Jones. The cast also featured child star Danny Bonaduce and actress Susan Dey.
During the 1970s, David Cassidy was memorialized on school lunch boxes, coloring books, and appeared on countless covers of teen magazines.
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After the “Partridge Family” ended in 1974, Cassidy continued to record songs, but was never able to recapture the success he found on his sitcom. During that time, Cassidy struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction.
Cassidy was arrested three times between 2010 and 2014 for driving under the influence. A month after the third arrest, Cassidy’s third wife, Sue Shifrin, filed for divorce after 23 years of marriage.
Cassidy is survived by two children, musician Beau Cassidy and actress Katie Cassidy, but admitted he was estranged from them for most of their lives because of his substance-abuse issues.
In February 2017, Cassidy stunned the world when he announced that he was suffering from dementia. David’s mother also battled dementia until her death at age 89. Cassidy said he lived in constant fear that he would one day succumb to the same fate as his mom.
“I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming,” he told People. “In the end, the only way I knew [my mom] recognized me is with one single tear that would drop from her eye every time I walked into the room. I feared I would end up that way.”
While saddened by his diagnosis, Cassidy expressed optimism for his future in February, saying he wanted to make the most of his remaining days. “I want to love,” he said. “I want to enjoy life.”
The celebrity tributes poured in on Twitter for David, who battled inner demons and died too young. Rest in peace.
“Brady Bunch” star Maureen McCormick (who played Marcia Brady) said Cassidy’s “love will live on in my heart forever.”
So very sad to hear of David Cassidy passing away💔 He was always so kind and sweet to me. Our shows were both on Friday nights and deep down I dreamt of being a Partridge. His memory and love will live on in my ❤️forever. Love you David. Prayers to his family🙏🏼
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) November 22, 2017
Cassidy’s “Partridge Family” co-star Danny Bonaduce said he will miss his “brother.”
I️ 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
Eighties heartthrob Rick Springfriend (“Jessie’s Girl”) wished David “Godspeed” in the afterlife.
So sorry to hear about David Cassidy's passing. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/JpKs2VNvZw
— Rick Springfield (@rickspringfield) November 22, 2017
Marie Osmond said she is “heartbroken” over David’s passing.
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
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys tweeted that Cassidy was a “very talented and nice person. Love and Mercy to David and his family.”
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I’m very sad to hear about David Cassidy. There were times in the mid-1970s when he would come over to my house and we even started writing a song together. He was a very talented and nice person. Love & Mercy to David and his family.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) November 22, 2017
Singer Gloria Gaynor (“I Will Survive”) thanked David for bringing “music and laughter into the homes of millions.”
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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