Photo: Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, responsible for hits like "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died. He was 86.
A rep for the late legendary musician confirmed his death to Variety on Friday (February 27), and his family mourned their heartbreaking loss in a statement.
"Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka," the statement reads. "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."
As of Friday afternoon, a cause of death has not been shared. TMZ previously reported that Sedaka had been rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles on Friday morning, with sources claiming the singer wasn't feeling well. Deputies with the Los Angeles County West Hollywood sheriff's station reportedly assisted the fire department with a "medical request" around 8 a.m.
Born March 13, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, Sedaka gained fame in the 1950s and '60s writing songs for himself and other artists, such as Connie Francis' "Stupid Cupid" and Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together." He left his mark on the industry over his decades-long career, as evidenced by five Grammy Award nominations, his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983 and his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he received in 1978.