"The Partridge Family" Star David Cassidy Dead At 67

Celebrity

"The Partridge Family" Star David Cassidy Dead At 67

David Cassidy, best known for portraying teen heartthrob Keith Partridge on the 70s musical-sitcom The Partridge Family, has passed away, according to his publicist Jo-Ann Geffen. He was 67.

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The ABC series was on air for four years, and during that time it spurred plenty of hit songs featuring Cassidy and his stepmom, Shirley Jones's vocals. The Patridge Family's single "I Think I Love You" reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1970, and the group was nominated for a best new artist Grammy the following year.

Cassidy eventually branched out and started a solo career, recording over a dozen albums. He continued to appear on television programs after The Patridge Family ended, even landing his own show, David Cassidy - Man Undercover, but it was cancelled after one season.

Rolling Stone

The entertainer continued to release chart-topping hits throughout the 80s and 90s, while appearing in theatrical productions on Broadway and in Las Vegas.

In the early 2000s, Cassidy wrote and starred in the Vegas show At The Copa alongside Sheena Easton. A few years later, he penned an autobiography, "Could It Be Forever? My Story," in which he talked about the downsides to fame.

Unfortunately, a few years ago, Cassidy's life-long struggle with addiction began to take a heavier toll on his life. In 2014, he entered rehab after he was arrested three times for driving under the influence. Soon after, his third wife filed for divorce.  

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Earlier this year, the star revealed that he had been diagnosed dementia, a disease that runs in his family.

"I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming," he said to People.

Since then, Cassidy's health had been steadily deteriorating, and had to be rushed to a hospital last week. The actor was in a medically induced comma for a while, but he regained consciousness over the weekend and sources said he was surrounded by his family the entire time.

People

"There had been many family issues because of his alcoholism, but they are all reuniting in support of him," a source close to Cassidy told People. "He was delighted to see them."

"When his brother Patrick walked into the room, David lit up like a Christmas tree," added the source. "There's been total resolution within the family. They will always be there for him."

Sadly, Cassidy suffered organ failure, and died on Tuesday, November 21. His family released a statement immediately after the sad news broke.

"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 family said in a statement. "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."

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His nephew, Jack Cassidy, also confirmed the news on Twitter saying, "I can't help but thank God for the joy that he brought to countless millions of people."

Cassidy is survived by his son Beau, his daughter Katie, his brothers Shaun, Patrick and Ryan, step-mother Shirley Jones, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will announce plans for a memorial service at a later date.

We're sending our sincerest sympathies to Cassidy's family. He will without a doubt be missed.

Blair isn't a bestselling author, but she has a knack for beautiful prose. When she isn't writing for Shared, she enjoys listening to podcasts.