A Teen Idol's Private Pain
People|December 11,2017

BATTLING ADDICTION AND DEMENTIA, BUT THE ’70S HEARTTHROB REMAINED GRATEFUL UP UNTIL HIS FINAL DAYS

Christina Dugan, Patrick Gomez
A Teen Idol's Private Pain

Nine months ago David Cassidy revealed a secret that he had been keeping for more than two years. The beloved former teen heartthrob and star of The Partridge Family was suffering from dementia, a condition that had also plagued his late mother. “I feared I would end up that way,” Cassidy told People in February. Subsequently the star, who noted that 50 years of touring and performing “took its toll,” made the decision to retire.“In the end I just really want to be happy,” he said. “I just want to enjoy life.”

Sadly the peace he sought was short-lived. On Nov. 21 Cassidy, 67, died of liver and kidney failure in a Florida hospital, surrounded by his family. “I’m so grateful that I was able to hold and love the best friend I’ll ever have in his last few moments,” said his son Beau, 26.

This story is from the December 11,2017 edition of People.

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This story is from the December 11,2017 edition of People.

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