New York Dolls lead singer David Johansen has died after battling stage four cancer, a brain tumor and a broken back.
The Stranded in the Jungle singer passed away at his home in New York on Friday at the age of 75. The singer's stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey, confirmed the sad news on Saturday - confirming that he died in his own home.
Just last month, Leah had shared details of David's health battles - revealing he was suffering from cancer, a brain tumour, and a broken back. She launched a fundraiser to help with his treatment as he battled his ailments.
She explained that her punk rock singer had been diagnosed with cancer in 2020 - bringing to an end his performing career - and revealed the star had been receiving: "intensive treatment for stage 4 cancer for most of the past decade." The family had worked to keep David's health problems a secret - but had become forced to share the news due to the "severe financial burden" his treatment was causing.
His condition had worsened at Thanksgiving last year after he fell down a flight of stairs - breaking his back in two places and leaving him "bedridden and incapacitated." Speaking of her stepfather's condition in her fundraising appeal, Leah wrote: "Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially and my mother is caring for him around the clock.
"To continue his treatment and give him the best chance of recovery, David and Mara will need full time assistance. As hilarious and wise as David continues to be, he is physically debilitated and his care exceeds what we are capable of providing without specialized professional help."
The appeal added: "Our most immediate needs are full time nursing, physical therapy and funding for day to day vital living expenses. With professional specialized care, we are hopeful that David can regain some mobility and independence."
It is unclear what type of cancer David was battling - and if this was the cause of death. Variety broke the news of David's passing, revealing Leah told them: "He died Friday at home in New York. He was 75."
As well as being a singer and musician, David was an actor - appearing as the Ghost of Christmas Past in Scrooged, playing opposite Richard Dreyfuss in the movie Let It Ride and voicing roles in Teen Titans and Centaurworld, among other credits. He was born in the New York City borough of Staten Island and lived in the state until his death.
He was married to actress Cyrinda Foxe from 1977 until 1978, then to photographer Kate Simon from 1983 until 2011. He then married artist Mara Hennessey in 2013 - and she is the mother of Leah Hennessey.
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