Authorities have revealed Neil Sedaka’s official cause of death.
According to his death certificate, obtained by the New York Post and published Wednesday, the legendary songwriter died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Kidney failure was also listed as a contributing factor in his death.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, potentially leading to serious complications such as blood clots, strokes, and kidney failure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Neil Sedaka, the legendary singer-songwriter who crafted timeless hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood,” has died at 86, his representative confirmed to Variety.
“Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” a statement from the family reads. “A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”
Earlier today Sedaka was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital Friday morning. Sources close to the family told TMZ that Sedaka began feeling unwell earlier in the day and was transported by ambulance for medical care.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood station confirmed to TMZ that deputies responded to a “medical request” call and assisted the fire department. Paramedics transported Sedaka to a nearby hospital around 8 a.m.
Sedaka has been married to his wife, Leba Strassberg, since 1962. The longtime couple share two children.
Neil Sedaka was an American singer, songwriter and pianist whose career has spanned more than six decades. Born on March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, he showed musical promise at an early age and studied at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music’s preparatory division.
Sedaka rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a string of catchy, piano-driven pop hits that helped define the era. Among his best-known songs are “Oh! Carol,” “Calendar Girl,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do.” The latter became one of his signature tracks — and notably topped the charts twice, first as an upbeat pop hit in 1962 and again as a slower ballad version in 1975.
In addition to performing, Sedaka built a strong reputation as a songwriter, frequently collaborating with lyricist Howard Greenfield. The duo penned numerous hits not only for Sedaka himself but also for other artists. After his initial wave of success in the U.S., Sedaka experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, aided in part by support from fellow musicians including Elton John, who helped reintroduce his music to a new generation.
Per TMZ, Neil has also made several television appearances over the years, including guest spots on The King of Queens and The Carol Burnett Show. He additionally appeared as a guest judge during Season 2 of American Idol, where he praised Clay Aiken’s rendition of his song “Solitaire.”
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Sedaka earned five Grammy nominations — including one at just the second annual Grammy Awards in 1959. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1978. Sedaka has sold millions of records worldwide and continued touring well into his later career.