New York Dolls Singer David Johansen Dead at 75 After Daughter Pleads for Help

David Johansen, the iconic frontman of the New York Dolls, has passed away at the age of 75 after silently battling Stage 4 cancer for several years, according to Fox News Digital.

Johansen's wife, Mara Hennessey, shared that he died peacefully on Friday in their "sunny bedroom, surrounded by flowers and music, holding hands with me and our daughter, Leah." She described their life together as a "marvelous adventure" and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they received after going public with his illness. "The past couple of weeks have been full of messages and love from family, friends, and fans," she added.

In February, Mara and their daughter Leah revealed that Johansen had been battling cancer for several years, enduring chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery with what Mara described as his "indomitable spirit and incomparable sense of humor." They chose to keep his health struggles private for years, but Mara noted, "Our family has reached the point where we need more support. We’ve run up serious debt caring for our beloved David and are facing still more unmanageable expenses."

Leah Hennessey took to Instagram last month to share the heartbreaking news about her father’s condition. Alongside a photo of him, she wrote, "David is a legend, but he’s also my very real, very sick dad." She appealed to fans for help and directed them to the Sweet Relief Musician Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting musicians with health challenges. Leah candidly detailed how her father’s illness worsened over the past five years, including complications from cancer and a brain tumor.

As if battling cancer wasn’t enough, Johansen’s health took a devastating turn last Thanksgiving when he fell down the stairs and broke his back in two places. Following surgery, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leaving him bedridden and requiring round-the-clock care from his wife, Mara.

Johansen’s legacy is marked by his influence on rock music as part of the glam-punk revolution with the New York Dolls. Beyond his work with the band, he captivated audiences with his alter ego, Buster Poindexter, and his infectious hit "Hot Hot Hot," which became a Billboard mainstay in 1987.

David Johansen wasn’t just a rock ‘n’ roll legend; he was a husband, father, and fighter. His resilience and humor through unimaginable challenges epitomized his larger-than-life personality. As fans mourn his loss, they’ll undoubtedly continue to celebrate the music and magic he brought into the world.