Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka’s cause of death has been confirmed two weeks after his sudden death at the age of 86.
According to reports, his death certificate mentions death due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with renal failure listed as a contributing factor. The condition is associated with a build-up of fats and cholesterol in the arteries and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Sedaka was taken to hospital on the morning of February 27, where he died later that day.
In a statement released at the time, his family said they were “devastated” by the loss, remembering him not only as a celebrated artist but also as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Born in Brooklyn in 1939 and raised in Brighton Beach, Sedaka showed musical talent from an early age. A teacher encouraged his parents to support his abilities, leading him to pursue music education and eventually build a decades-long career.
He rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits such as Oh! Carol, Calendar girl, And Happy birthday, dear sixteen. In the 1970s he found success again with songs like Breaking up is hard And Laughing in the rain.
Sedaka was also a songwriter who wrote for other artists and helped shape the Brill Building era of pop music.
He is survived by his wife Leba and their children Dara and Marc. He would have turned 87 on March 13, 2026.
