David Cassidy's daughter, Arrow actress Katie Cassidy, shared her father's poignant words in a tweet honoring the late celebrity who passed away on Tuesday. He was 67.
“Words [sic] cant express the solace our family’s received from all the love & support during this trying time," the actress tweeted, thanking her fans for the outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences.
She made a vow to her friends and family after hearing her father's one regret.
My father’s last words were ‘So much wasted time.’ This will be a daily reminder for me to share my gratitude with those I love as to never waste another minute… Thank you.
Words cant express the solace our family’s received from all the love & support during this trying time. My father’… https://t.co/LKFQKiawGm— Katie Cassidy (@Katie Cassidy)1511553363.0
David Cassidy, a former teen idol in the 70s known for The Partridge Family, told Dr. Phil he was battling with dementia in an interview earlier this year. His mother and grandfather also suffered from the neurological illness, which prepared him for the worst. “A part of me always knew this was coming,” he said.
Cassidy passed away days after being admitted to a Florida hospital with kidney failure and in need of a liver transplant.
Katie, 30, had a complicated relationship with her biological father. She was raised by former model, Sherry Williams, and a physician stepfather, Richard Benedon, but David Cassidy still played a special role in Katie's life: As close friends.
Their bond strengthened as Katie became an adult and began pursuing an acting career in Hollywood. David told People in a 2009 interview that he didn't have to assume the responsibilities of being a parent because he didn't raise Katie. However, he made himself available to his estranged daughter. “I’m always here and totally nonjudgmental.”
During the same interview, Katie also commented on their unique relationship:
To be able to go to someone I’m genetically linked to, tell them anything and know that they’re not going to judge me — it’s unbelievable. It’s nice when your dad can be your friend.
Unfortunately, the two recently drifted apart. "I wasn't her father. I was her biological father, but I didn't raise her," David said back in February. "She has a completely different life. I'm proud of her. She's very talented. It's hard for me to even accept how old she is now."
In addition to Katie, David is survived by his son, Beau Cassidy through his third marriage to Sue Shifrin.
People agreed with Katie's tweet and adopted the same mantra of life's precious lesson.
@MzKatieCassidy Such a beautiful and important message. As I age I realize that time is the most valuable natural r… https://t.co/VXtIxD9iGz— Management Writes (@Management Writes)1511615114.0
@TheSonicSiren @MzKatieCassidy This is perhaps the sweetest msg I have ever seen any1 leave on any social media site EVER.— Wayward Elle (@Wayward Elle)1511561332.0
@MzKatieCassidy @NicholasFerroni Thank you for sharing, Katie.— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa Milano)1511560898.0
@MzKatieCassidy @shaunpcassidy Sending you my heartfelt condolences and ❤️. Your father will live on in hearts forever!— Maureen McCormick (@Maureen McCormick)1511554851.0
Here's to living in the moment. R.I.P., David Cassidy. You will be missed.
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