Neil Sedaka Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
Neil Sedaka Cause of Death: What We Know So Far
Grace GalanteFri, February 27, 2026 at 10:23 PM UTC
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(Photo by Sarah Stier on Getty Images)
Iconic singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at the age of 86.
TMZ was first to report the news on Friday, Feb. 27. The outlet received a statement from Sadaka's family, which read, "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."
RELATED: Iconic 1960s Hitmaker Neil Sedaka Rushed to LA Hospital After Emergency Call
What is Neil Sedaka's cause of death?
An official cause of death has not been confirmed. Earlier on Feb. 27, however, TMZ reported that Sedaka was transported to a hospital by ambulance that morning after not feeling well at home.
Before news of his death broke, the outlet reported that Sedaka was “recovering” at the hospital.
TMZ also said it spoke with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood station, which confirmed there was a “medical request” call on Friday morning. Deputies assisted the fire department on the call, and Sedaka was taken to the hospital by paramedics around 8 a.m. PT.
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No additional details about the health issues that prompted the call have been released.
Tributes and legacy
Sedaka's high school sweetheart, fellow musician Carole King, paid tribute via Instagram.
“Neil Sedaka was so talented, and he inspired me to follow my dream of being a songwriter,” she wrote. “With love and gratitude and condolences to his family.”
"I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Neil Sedaka,” wrote The Monkees' Micky Dolenz on Instagram. “Neil was one of those rare songwriters who could do it all. He gave the world so many great hits of his own, and Monkees fans will know his work, too — he co-wrote ‘When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door’ with Carole Bayer Sager, along with a few other songs that found their way into our world. He also wrote ‘Rainy Jane’ for Davy’s solo record.”
“I’ll never forget when he showed up all the way from the East Coast to pay tribute to Davy at his LA-based memorial with a performance of ‘Love Comes Knocking at Your Door,'” Dolenz continued. “Sending my thoughts to his family, friends, and everyone who loved his music.”
Sedaka is survived by his wife, Leba Strassberg, whom he married in 1962, and their children Dara and Marc.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
