A New Perspective on David Cassidy's Final Years
It’s been seven months since the untimely passing of David Cassidy, and now, fresh details about the final years of the legendary singer’s life have emerged. A&E's original documentary special, David Cassidy: The Last Session, which premiered on Monday, June 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, sheds light on a side of Cassidy that many fans weren’t aware of. The documentary reveals that the beloved star of The Partridge Family was grappling with alcoholism that may have contributed to his dementia before his death.
Understanding the Complexity of Dementia
Dementia, as explained by the documentary’s producer Saralena Weinfeld in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, is more than just a set of symptoms—it’s a condition that can stem from a variety of causes. "Dementia can result from Alzheimer’s, brain trauma, or even alcoholism and drug use," Weinfeld said. "The real question isn't whether David had dementia—he clearly exhibited signs of memory loss and dementia-like symptoms. The bigger question is what caused it for David. I don’t think it’s about whether he lied or deceived anyone. It’s more about him coming to terms with his personal struggles." This perspective shifts the narrative from one of deception to one of understanding and empathy.
David Cassidy performing in 1973.
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The Struggle with Addiction
Almost a decade before his passing, David Cassidy openly admitted to having a drinking problem. Over the years, he faced several DUI arrests, which became public knowledge. Despite this, he assured his family that he had turned his life around and was living soberly. However, the truth was far more complicated. Cassidy had continued to battle with alcoholism even in his final years, a revelation that adds a poignant layer to his story.
Weinfeld reflected on this aspect, saying, "Yes, I was surprised to learn that David wasn’t sober while filming the documentary. We had centered the film around his struggle with dementia, and while we were aware of his past with addiction, it wasn’t a focus of our discussions. I was genuinely taken aback... Our intention wasn’t to paint David as a liar. Instead, the narrative we wanted to convey was that he recognized, towards the end of his life, that his dementia might have been linked to his long-standing battle with alcoholism."
David Cassidy's Journey with Dementia
In February 2017, just months before his death in November at the age of 67, Cassidy revealed that he was battling dementia. He spoke candidly to People, admitting, "I was in denial, but a part of me always knew this was coming." Cassidy also opened up about the heart-wrenching experience of watching his grandfather and mother struggle with memory loss. "The only way I knew my mom recognized me was by the single tear that would drop from her eye every time I walked into the room," he recalled. "I feared I would end up the same way."
