David Cassidy, the star of iconic TV show The Partridge Family, passed away today aged 67.
His family confirmed the death after revealing his shock dementia diagnosis. earlier this year.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The seventies heartthrob died of organ failure in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In February, Cassidy announced he would no longer be touring and would instead focus on his well-being in light of his condition.
“I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming,” the seventies heartthrob explained to People magazine.
Sadly, the memory loss illness runs in his family with both his grandfather and mother also suffering from it.
“In the end, the only way I knew she recognised 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,” David recalled of his mum’s deterioration.
“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.”
Since the musical series The Partridge Family wrapped in 1974, David went on to marry three times.
He shares daughter Katie Cassidy, 30, from a relationship with Sherry Williams Benedon, and also has a son, Beau Cassidy, 26, from his third wife Sue Shifrin.
His life has been marred with alcohol abuse and in 2014 he was ordered to check into rehab following his third DUI arrest.
“If I take another drink, I’m going to die, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I’m dead,” David explained to Piers Morgan during an interview with CNN at the time.
“You know, they say it’s a slippery slope. t’s not a slippery slope. It’s from 12:00 to 6:00 on the clock and the whole face is ice. One sip, one drink, because there is no such a thing, not to an alcoholic. You have one and you’re done. I’d be done.”
Our thoughts are wife David and his family during this time.
