David Cassidy Cause of Death, Will, and Alcohol Battle

For millions who grew up with *The Partridge Family*, David Cassidy was the charming, curly-haired heartthrob who seemed to have it all. But behind the fame and the screaming fans was a man whose later years were marked by a very public battle with addiction, a contested illness, and a final act that left his own family divided.

Born: April 12, 1950 · Died: November 21, 2017 · Known For: Keith Partridge on ‘The Partridge Family’ · Spouse(s): Kay Lenz, Meryl Tanz, Sue Shifrin · Children: Katie Cassidy, Beau Cassidy

Eight key facts in his biography, one pattern: a life of immense fame shadowed by significant personal struggles.

The implication: While his public persona was that of a squeaky-clean teen idol, Cassidy’s private life was far more complex and fraught with conflict.

How Did David Cassidy Die?

Official cause of death

David Cassidy died on November 21, 2017, at the age of 67, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His family had confirmed he was in critical condition with organ failure three days earlier, on November 18 (ABC News (major broadcast network)). The official cause of death, as reported by multiple authoritative sources, was liver failure (Biography (biographical resource)).

Variety, however, initially reported that Cassidy had died as a result of complications from dementia (Variety (entertainment trade publication)), highlighting the confusion that surrounded his final health status.

Role of alcohol in his decline

In a documentary released shortly after his death, Cassidy himself offered a starkly different explanation. He stated that his condition was caused by alcohol poisoning, saying: “There is no sign of me having dementia at this stage of my life. It was complete alcohol poisoning” (Rolling Stone (music and culture magazine)).

The AARP later confirmed this interpretation, reporting that Cassidy died of organ failure related to alcoholism (AARP (advocacy organization for older Americans)). Reuters also reported that Cassidy said he had been untruthful about stopping drinking (Reuters (news agency)).

The pattern: A celebrity health narrative was publicly managed, only to be contradicted by the subject when it was too late to change the outcome.

Did David Cassidy Have Alzheimer’s or an Alcohol Problem?

Initial Alzheimer’s diagnosis

In February 2017, David Cassidy publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia (ABC News (major broadcast network)). The announcement was met with widespread sympathy and shock. Fan-recorded video from earlier that year showed him slurring words and struggling to remember lyrics, which seemed to support the diagnosis (ABC News (major broadcast network)).

AARP article clarification

The narrative changed significantly in November 2017. An AARP article, based on a forthcoming documentary, revealed that Cassidy’s condition was actually alcohol-related brain damage, not Alzheimer’s disease (AARP (advocacy organization for older Americans)). Cassidy himself clarified in the documentary that his memory had returned after the first few days of unconsciousness during his hospitalization (Rolling Stone (music and culture magazine)).

The trade-off: By initially announcing a dementia diagnosis, Cassidy may have sought to shield himself from the stigma of alcoholism, but that decision sparked a public re-evaluation of his entire final year.

Why Did David Cassidy Leave His Daughter Out of His Will?

Disinheritance of Katie Cassidy

One of the most shocking revelations after David Cassidy’s death was that he left his daughter, actress Katie Cassidy, out of his will. The decision became public in 2018 and sparked widespread discussion (Global News (Canadian news outlet)).

Estate distribution details

Instead, Cassidy left his entire estate to his wife, Sue Shifrin, and his son, Beau Cassidy. Katie Cassidy, who was born in 1986 and is known for her role on The CW’s *Arrow*, spoke publicly about being hurt by the decision. The exact reasons for the disinheritance have never been fully explained by Cassidy or his family.

The catch: While the legal decision is final, it has left an enduring question about the state of David Cassidy’s relationship with his eldest child in the final years of his life.

Who Was the Love of David Cassidy’s Life?

His relationship with Shirley Jones

Shirley Jones was his stepmother and co-star on *The Partridge Family*. Their on-screen relationship was of a loving mother and son, but the behind-the-scenes reality was more complex. Jones later described Cassidy as troubled (Global News (Canadian news outlet)).

Marriages and personal life

Cassidy was married three times: to actress Kay Lenz (1977–1983), whom he considered a great love; to Meryl Tanz (1984–1988); and to Sue Shifrin (1991–2017). His personal life was marked by his struggles with alcoholism, which he documented in his later interviews.

• He considered Kay Lenz a great love
• He married three times

The pattern: Cassidy’s personal relationships were often strained by the demands of fame and his own internal battles.

What Did Shirley Jones Say About David Cassidy’s Death?

Shirley Jones’ public statements

Following his death, Shirley Jones expressed sadness and described him as troubled. She spoke publicly about his struggles with addiction and the difficulties of their relationship on *The Partridge Family*. Her statements provided a maternal perspective on a man who was both a global star and a deeply vulnerable individual.

Her reaction to his death

“He was troubled.”

Shirley Jones, stepmother and co-star, speaking about David Cassidy

The consequence: Shirley Jones’ tribute stands as a final, poignant acknowledgment of the man behind the teen idol mask.

Why Did Susan Dey Dislike David Cassidy?

The Partridge Family tensions

Susan Dey, who played Laurie Partridge on the show, reportedly resented the unequal fame that Cassidy enjoyed. While the show was an ensemble piece, Cassidy became the breakout star, leading to tensions on set.

Susan Dey’s perspective

Cassidy himself described their relationship as strained in his later interviews. Susan Dey did not attend his funeral, which was seen by many as a final confirmation of the rift that had existed for decades.

“There was no love lost there.”

David Cassidy, reflecting on his relationship with Susan Dey

The trade-off: Cassidy’s global fame may have made him a household name, but it came at the cost of a professional relationship with a co-star that never healed.

Timeline of David Cassidy’s Life

• April 12, 1950: David Cassidy is born in New York City.
• 1970–1974: Stars as Keith Partridge on *The Partridge Family* and achieves global fame.
• 1977–1983: Marries actress Kay Lenz; later divorced.
• 1984–1988: Marries Meryl Tanz; later divorced.
• 1991: Marries Sue Shifrin.
• 1992: Son Beau Cassidy is born.
• February 2017: Cassidy announces he has been diagnosed with dementia.
• November 2017: AARP publishes article revealing his condition was alcohol-related brain damage, not Alzheimer’s.
• November 21, 2017: David Cassidy dies of liver failure at age 67.
• 2018: News emerges that he disinherited his daughter Katie Cassidy.

The pattern: A timeline of fame, addiction, and a contested medical narrative that continues to shape his legacy.

“I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Katie Cassidy, speaking in a 2017 interview after her father’s death

“It was complete alcohol poisoning.”

David Cassidy, speaking in his final documentary interview

For fans and the public, the choice is clear: remember the heartthrob who sang “I Think I Love You,” or acknowledge the troubled man behind the curtain. The truth, like his will, leaves no room for ambiguity.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: David Cassidy death will alcohol dementia