David Cassidy would have turned 75 today — and while he’s no longer here, his daughter shared how she plans to honor him on his birthday.
“The Partridge Family” heartthrob passed away in 2017 at age 67, but his legacy lives on through his children, daughter Katie, 38, and son Beau, 34.
The Post caught up with Katie at the opening of Tarantino | Pulp Rock at Hollywood Park, and she shared how she planned to celebrate her father’s milestone birthday on Saturday, April 12.
The “Arrow” actress said she usually gathers with her loved ones every year on the date; however, she was struck by tragedy when she was forced to flee her Pacific Palisades home due to the devastating LA fires earlier this year.
“It’s coming up, and it’s sort of like, my family gets together, and we kind of celebrate as much as we can, but we’re a bit spread out,” she told The Post last month. “I have a place in the Palisades, sadly. So I’m displaced, but I’m staying with my uncle.”
Katie said she still planned to do something, but it would likely be low-key.
“We’ll light a candle and, well, wish him happy birthday, and that’ll be that,” she stated.
David’s daughter, whom the superstar shared with former model Sherry Williams, also said that regardless of how much time passes, she loves to hear stories from fans about her late father.
“I love to hear that,” Katie responded after The Post’s reporter told her a personal story about a close fan of her dad. “It never gets old, to be honest with you.”
She continued, “That’s cool to hear that. You know there’s fans out there still,” adding that the “I Think I Love You” singer’s fanbase still reaches out to her.
Katie is David’s oldest child, whom he welcomed out of wedlock in 1986 during his marriage to his second wife, Meryl Tanz.
The pair had a complicated relationship, with Katie being raised by her mother and stepdad, Richard Benedon, but her Emmy-nominated father still played a role in her life.
“Because I didn’t raise her, I didn’t have to parent her,” David told People about their bond in 2009. “I’m always here and totally nonjudgmental.”
Katie seemed to appreciate their relationship.
“To be able to go to someone I’m genetically linked to, tell them anything and know that they’re not going to judge me — it’s unbelievable,” she shared at the time. “It’s nice when your dad can be your friend.”
However, months before David died of organ failure after decades of alcoholism, he disclosed that the two had drifted apart and were no longer in contact.
“I wasn’t her father. I was her biological father but I didn’t raise her. She has a completely different life,” he said. “[But] I’m proud of her. She’s very talented. It’s hard for me to even accept how old she is now.”
Towards the end of his life, he also suffered from dementia. David passed away on November 21, 2017, just days before Katie’s 31st birthday.
The “I Woke Up In Love This Morning” singer had been hospitalized in the ICU for a week with liver and kidney failure before his family decided to take him off of life support, per TMZ.
His loved ones released a statement after his death.
“On behalf of the entire Cassidy family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, our uncle, and our dear brother, David Cassidy,” his family said in a statement obtained by Page Six. “David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years.”
Katie later addressed David’s passing — and revealed his last words.
“Words cant express the solace our family’s received from all the love & support during this trying time,” she wrote. “My father’s last words were ‘So much wasted time.’ This will be a daily reminder for me to share my gratitude with those I love as to never waste another minute… Thank you.”
Katie is currently working on several projects — including three upcoming movies.
She’ll star alongside Tyrese Gibson and Kate Bosworth in the thriller “Bunker,” as well as act in the Jon Keeyes-directed horror “Speed Demon.” She’s also currently shooting “Nanny Cam,” written and directed by “Jersey Shore” star Jenni “JWoww” Farley.
