Let’s talk about a story that’s been tugging at the heartstrings of many. The passing of David Cassidy, a beloved figure in entertainment, continues to reveal layers of complexity, especially for the family he left behind. Just weeks after his tragic death from organ failure on November 21, a newly-released will has come to light, and it’s raising eyebrows. In an unexpected twist, David intentionally left nothing to his daughter, Katie Cassidy.
Here's the kicker: In the official document obtained by The Blast, David Cassidy made it crystal clear that it was his "specific intent not to provide any benefits" to Katie Cassidy, nor to any of her descendants. Now, this decision has sparked a lot of conversation. Instead, he designated his modest $150,000 estate to his son Beau Cassidy, from his third marriage to Sue Shifrin. Adding to that, all of his cherished memorabilia was bequeathed to his three half-siblings. It’s a move that leaves many scratching their heads and wondering about the dynamics of their relationship.
Understanding the Relationship Between David and Katie
Katie and David in November 2007.
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Let’s delve deeper into the history between David and Katie. The two weren’t exactly close during David's lifetime. Katie, now 30, was born in November 1986 to David and his then-girlfriend, Sherry Williams. Over the years, David has been candid about their relationship—or lack thereof. In a past interview with People, he admitted, “I’ve never had a relationship with her. I wasn’t her father. I was her biological father, but I didn’t raise her. She has a completely different life.”
Despite this, it seemed like the bond between father and daughter improved as they aged. David once expressed pride in his daughter, saying, “I’m proud of her. She’s very talented. It’s hard for me to even accept how old she is now, like 30.” Katie, whose acting credits include popular TV shows like Gossip Girl, Supernatural, Melrose Place, and Arrow, was primarily raised by her mother and stepfather, Richard Benedon, in Los Angeles. It’s truly unfortunate that David won’t be around to see her upcoming wedding—a moment many fathers cherish.
A Closer Look at David's Family Dynamics
David with his son, Beau, and ex-wife Sue in October 1998.
In a revealing 2009 interview, David and Katie opened up about their unique relationship. David noted, “Because I didn’t raise her, I didn’t have to parent her.” Katie chimed in, expressing her appreciation for their bond: “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. It’s nice when your dad can be your friend.” However, the will was drafted back in 2004, a time when their relationship might have been more distant. Despite knowing his health was failing, David reportedly chose not to update the will to include Katie.
While David may not have been close to Katie before his passing, he maintained a strong connection with his son, Beau. “He’s just one of the best people you’ll ever meet in your life and it’s that that I’m proud of,” David once said. “He just turned 26. He’s such a beautiful person.”
