David Cassidy Dies at 67
by EG
Partridge Family star David Cassidy died on Tuesday after being hospitalized for multiple organ failure. Cassidy had been both a TV and pop music star in the 70s, but he had struggled with substance abuse and health problems through his adult life.
David Cassidy, who made hit records and girls swoon in the 1970s as the young star of ABC's The Partridge Family, has died. He was 67.
Cassidy died Tuesday, according to his longtime rep.
He was reported to be in a Florida hospital suffering from multiple organ failure. "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," his rep, JoAnn Geffen, said in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter. "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."
In February, the entertainer revealed that he had dementia and would no longer appear in concert in an effort to focus on his health and "enjoy life." He had fallen on stage and forgotten lyrics during a show in Agoura Hills, Calif.
"When friends of yours or family members begin to say to you, 'Remember, I just told you this two days ago' and there's no memory of it, that's when I began to be very concerned," Cassidy said on the Dr. Phil Show.
Cassidy had numerous personal problems in the decades following his breakthrough on television, ranging from substance abuse and drunk-driving arrests to bankruptcy.
The adorably handsome New York native rose to fame playing singer-guitarist Keith Partridge on Screen Gems' The Partridge Family, which aired for four seasons on ABC, from 1970-74.
The show centered on a suburban family that had a band comprised of a widowed mom — played by Shirley Jones, Cassidy's real-life stepmother — and her five kids: Cassidy (the oldest), Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, Suzanne Crough and Jeremy Gelbwaks/Brian Forster.
Each episode had the family doing a song. Cassidy actually played guitar and sang and Jones provided backing vocals, but the rest of the "band" was faking it.
Cassidy and Jones performed on The Partridge Family's debut single, "I Think I Love You," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1970 just as his new show was catching on. The single sold more than 5 million copies, and The Partridge Family went on to release eight albums.
Cassidy also fronted five solo albums, and his vocals also powered such hits as "Cherish;" "Come On Get Happy," his show's signature tune;" "I Write the Songs;" "The Last Kiss;" and "Lyin' to Myself."
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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