The lead singer of New York Dolls has died aged 75 following a battle with cancer.
David Johansen, who used to front the iconic seventies punk band, was diagnosed with stage four cancer and a brain tumour in 2020. It was also revealed he had suffered a broken back in two places in November of last year and required surgery for this which was successful. He died at his Staten Island home on Friday (February 28). The singer’s stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey, confirmed his passing to Variety on Saturday.
Earlier this month, she announced David had been in “Intensive treatment” for “most of the past decade” and that he was left needing constant care. She told fans he “has been bedridden and incapacitated” and that her mother, David’s wife Mara, had been caring for him “around the clock”.
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
Leah also explained that the punk rock singer had been diagnosed with cancer in 2020 – bringing to an end his performing career. 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 family launched a Sweet Relief fundraiser to help pay for the cost of the singer’s medical treatment.
In the fundraiser, Hennessey wrote: “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 specialised professional help.”
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
She 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 had been diagnosed with – and whether it was the cause of death, or rather something else had happened to the star. Variety broke the news of David’s passing, revealing Leah told them: “He died Friday at home in New York. He was 75.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
