Celebrity2 min(s) read
Neil Sedaka dies aged 86 after being rushed to hospital
Legendary musician Neil Sedaka has died at the age of 86 after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles.
News of Sedaka's death was confirmed by his family, who said in a statement to TMZ: "Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka.
"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.”
According to reports, Sedaka was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles on Friday after complaining he did not feel well.
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He was taken from his home in an ambulance at around 8AM local time and the reason for his illness was not shared, though it was initially reported that he was recovering in hospital.
Sedaka was known for several number one hits in the 1960s, including 'Calendar Girl' and 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do'.
He was nominated for five Grammy Awards between 1959 and 1977 and was later inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Before going solo, Sedaka was a member of The Tokens in the 1950s, the band which later went on to blow up with 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'.
Sedaka had been married to his wife Leba Strassberg since 1962 and the couple share two adult children, daughter Dara, 62, who is a vocalist, and son Marc, 59, a screenwriter.
He had a close relationship with his family, duetting with Dara on 'Should’ve Never Let You Go', and working on children’s books with Marc.
Sedaka was also a proud grandfather, and shared moments with his grandchildren on Instagram, including a September 2025 video in which he called his bond with grandson Michael and twin granddaughters Charlotte and Amanda a “special kind of love.”
Sedaka and his grandson went viral together in 2025 for their TikTok duets, even leading to an appearance on Good Day New York.
His grandson was a big fan of his work as Sedaka told viewers at the time: "He knows all of the forgotten children, the neglected children — the songs that were on albums — and he knows all of them."
Our thoughts remain with Sedaka's family, friends, and fans at this heartbreaking time.