David Cassidy, star of the popular 1970’s show, “The Partridge Family,” died on Tuesday. JoAnn Geffen, Cassidy’s publicist, confirmed his death and passed on a statement from Cassidy’s family. “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.”

Complications from Cassidy’s dementia led to organ failure a few days before his death. The actor and musician held on for a short time before passing away on November 21. He is survived by his daughter, Katie Cassidy; his son, Beau Cassidy; his step-mother, Shirley Jones; and his three half-brothers, Shaun, Patrick and Ryan Cassidy.

David Cassidy had been hospitalized in Florida for several days prior to his passing. He was previously diagnosed with dementia but managed to keep performing for a number of months. In March 2017, Cassidy played at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York and talked about his dementia. He also revealed that his arthritis made playing the guitar a painful and difficult ordeal.

Cassidy is probably best known for playing the role of Keith Partridge in “The Partridge Family.” The ABC sitcom was popular for its clean portrayal of the Partridges’ family rock band and their life on the road in a brightly painted bus. The show ran from 1970 to 1974 and was based loosely on the Cowsills, a real-life musical family. Cassidy’s step-mother, Shirley Jones, played the role of Shirley Partridge, Keith Partridge’s mother.

The story of “The Partridge Family” contained a slight resemblance to David Cassidy’s actual background. Cassidy was a member of a show business family that included his Tony Award winning father, Jack Cassidy, step-mother Shirley Jones, half-brother Shaun Cassidy and David Cassidy’s daughter, the actress Katie Cassidy.

David Cassidy was raised in New Jersey and starred in the 1969 Broadway musical, “The Fig Leaves Are Falling.” The musical closed after only four performances and Cassidy made his way to Las Vegas. It would take more than ten years, but Cassidy would return to the big stage to play Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in 1982. Cassidy also played Mickey in “Blood Brothers,” performed in “Little Johnny Jones” and “Time” and went on to create the Vegas shows “The Rat Pack is Back!” and “At the Copa.”

In addition to his years spent acting, Cassidy also had a successful music career. “The Partridge Family” theme song, “C’mon Get Happy,” helped launch Cassidy’s music career. After his singles “I Think I Love You” and “Cherish” took off, Cassidy regularly sold out stadiums. His wild popularity was nicknamed “Cassidymania” and resulted in several instances of mass hysteria at his shows. One such riot at a 1974 performance in Australia garnered calls for Cassidy to be deported from the country.

Cassidy continued touring and performing until early March 2017 when he put on his final show at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York. In the wake of his passing, fans and fellow celebrities alike have expressed their condolences to Cassidy’s family and taken a few minutes to reminisce about the musician, actor and pop idol who helped define an era.