David Cassidy, teen '70s pop star, and actor has died at the age of 67 from Organ Failure as a result of complications of dementia. Mr. Cassidy's death was confirmed by his longtime publicist and friend JoAnn Geffen. Geffen issued a public statement on behalf of Cassidy's family revealing their sorrow and heartbreak.
Fans mourn loss of David Cassidy
The notice stated that David passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones and thanked his fans for the many years of love and support. As previously reported, Cassidy was rushed to a Fort Lauderdale, Florida hospital over the weekend and admitted to the intensive care unit with multiple organ failures.
David Cassidy popularity compared to Elvis and Beatles
David Cassidy's family remained by the "Partridge Family" star's side and fans have been holding prayer vigils over the weekend on the singers Facebook fan pages. Cassidy had been ill for the several months announcing to his fans publicly that he had been diagnosed with dementia in February of this year. David revealed that dementia and arthritis had begun to take it's toll on his health and stated that he would be retiring from show business.
David skyrocketed to fame in the early '70s after being cast as Keith Partridge in the popular family sitcom "The Partridge Family." He quickly became the celebrity crush of millions of teenage girls.
Following his success on television, David branched off with a solo music career, selling out stadiums across the country and causing pandemonium where ever he went, making the phrase “Cassidymania" an everyday word.
David's intense popularity among teenage girls tops the list with huge entertainers including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and in today's comparisons to Justin Bieber and One Direction.
In 1974, David suffered a traumatic event which took place among his fans during a London concert. 800 people were injured in a stampede, leaving one teenage girl dead. The event affected David so immensely that for a period of time he stopped touring and acting, soon after concentrating only on recording music.
David later returned to acting and touring and was nominated for an Emmy for a guest role on the television series "Police Story." For decades following his "Partridge Family" success David's popularity continued to grow.
Cassidy continued to tour, becoming a regular staple on a Las Vegas tour. David was well known for his love of interacting with his fans and often engaged the crowd in question and answer sessions during the show.
In his later years, David struggled with alcoholism, which brought him many legal and financial issues. Despite his personal demons, one thing remains true, David Cassidy was a beloved entertainer who was as loyal to his fans as his fans were to him. My thoughts and well wishes go out to the family, friends, and fans of David during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Mr. Cassidy. David Cassidy is survived by half-brothers Shaun Cassidy, actors Patrick and Ryan; daughter Katie Cassidy and son, actor Beau Cassidy.