Tributes to Partridge Family star David Cassidy

Tributes have been paid to David Cassidy, the actor and musician who shot to fame in the 1970s sitcom, The Partridge Family.

David Cassidy sold more than 30 million records over the course of his career.

Relatives of the former teen idol confirmed he died on Tuesday, less than a week after he admitted to a Florida hospital suffering from multiple organ failure. He was 67.

Earlier this year, the US star revealed he had dementia and had decided to stop touring altogether.

In a statement, his family said: “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 of love and support you have shown him these many years.”

Among those to pay tribute, Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys musician, described Cassidy as a “very talented and nice person,” while singer Gloria Gaynor praised him as someone who “brought music and laughter into the homes of millions.”

Born into a family steeped in the entertainment business, Cassidy became an international celebrity thanks to The Partridge Family, a musical sitcom about a mother and her five children who formed a rock and roll band.

Over the course of its four year run, the show spawned several hit songs, such as I Think I Love You, and launched Cassidy’s career as a pop singer.

At the height of his fame, he was mobbed by fans at Glasgow’s Shawfield Stadium, but with the hysteria reaching fever pitch, he raised doubts over his future as a life performer. “I feel burnt up inside,” he said. “I’m 24, a big star … in a position that millions dream of, but the truth is I just can’t enjoy it.”

Two days after the Glasgow date, a 14-year-old fan was crushed to death following a stampede at a London concert. The tragedy, which left hundreds more injured, made Cassidy’s mind up. “I want to focus on what I am,” he explained. “I want to love. I want to enjoy life.”

After a chart career spanning 18 gold and platinum records and more than 30 million sales worldwide, Cassidy reinvented himself as a stage star on Broadway and in the West End. In his later years, he also returned to live concerts, visiting the likes of Edinburgh Playhouse and Glasgow’s Clyde Auditorium.

In recent years, he filed for bankruptcy and was arrested several times for drink-driving. He was married three times and had two children.

Many of Cassidy’s fans and celebrity supporters in Britain took to social media to remember Cassidy.

Actor and comic Dawn French shared a picture of the young singer on Twitter, along with the words: “I cherished you.”

Newsreader Kay Burley said that Cassidy was her “first love”, and stand-up comic Jenny Eclair said he was among those who “soaked up all the tears” for teenagers in the 1970s.

Comic actor Sanjeev Bhaskar mirrored the sentiment, writing: “Sad to hear of the passing of David Cassidy. Along with Donny Osmond and Marc Bolan, adorned most teen girls’ bedroom walls in the ‘70’s. Loved watching The Partridge Family as a kid.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Tony Blackburn said: “Very sad to hear that David Cassidy has passed away. I knew him well and toured with him introducing his concerts in the 70’s and was a nice guy. R.I.P. David.”