David Cassidy has died from organ failure after his liver and kidneys failed last week.
David had a long battle with alcohol and drug abuse and in recent years developed dementia.
The Cassidy family issued the following statement:
“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. 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.”
David was the son of actor Jack Cassidy and Evelyn Ward. His step-mother was his Partridge Family co-star Shirley Jones. Shirley married Jack when David was 20-years old.
Jones had been offered the part of Carol Brady in the Brady Bunch but turned it down as the role of Shirley Partridge in The Partridge Family was offered to her at the same time. David played Keith Partridge, her oldest son.
The Partridge Family, based on the real-life group The Cowsills, made David a pop star. Both The Partridge Family had five Top 20 albums in the USA and seven hit singles and David had five Top 20 solo albums and a dozen solo hits.
The Partridge Family’s first hit song was ‘I Think I Love You’.
David’s debut solo single ‘Cherish’ reached no 9 in the USA.
Cassidy is survived by son Beau with ex-wife Sue Shifrin-Cassidy; his daughter Katie; his brothers Shaun, Patrick and Ryan; step-mother Shirley Jones.
