David Johansen, the former lead singer of the punk band New York Dolls, has died at age 75 on Friday at his home in New York.
Earlier this month, Johansen announced he was suffering from stage four cancer, a brain tumor and a broken back.
Hennessey shared news of his diagnosis in a Sweet Relief fundraiser for her father’s medical expenses.
She also revealed that he had been in ‘intensive treatment’ for ‘most of the past decade’ and that his disease progressed and in 2020 he developed a brain tumor.
In the update, she stated Johansen was very, very sick, but he’s reading all the messages and he’s getting in touch with people he hasn’t talked to in many years.’
She added to People: ‘The connection is probably the best thing for him right now — as it is for all of us.’
Leah, whose mother is David’s wife Mara Hennessey, previously said in the fundraiser that David ‘has been bedridden and incapacitated.’
‘Due to the trauma, David’s illness has progressed exponentially, and my mother is caring for him around the clock,’ she added.
‘To continue his treatment and give him the best chance of recovery, David and Mara will need full time assistance.
David Johansen, the former lead singer of the punk band New York Dolls, has died at age 75 on Friday at his home in New York
‘As hilarious and wise as David continues to be, he is physically debilitated and his care exceeds what we are capable of providing without specialized professional help.’
While her stepfather has earned a living as a singer and actor for nearly 60 years, she explained he has not been able to work as a performer in the last five years.
‘Our most immediate needs are full time nursing, physical therapy and funding for day-to-day vital living expenses.
‘With professional specialized care, we are hopeful that David can regain some mobility and independence,’ Leah said.
The fundraiser did not specify exactly what kind of cancer David is battling.
It contained photos of David with Leah and Mara, along with a photo of the musician in the hospital.
In a statement obtained by Rolling Stone, David called the development in his health ordeal ‘the worst pain’ he had ever endured.
‘We’ve been living with my illness for a long time, still having fun, seeing friends and family, carrying on, but this tumble the day after Thanksgiving really brought us to a whole new level of debilitation,’ he explained.
Earlier this month, Johansen announced he was suffering from stage four cancer, a brain tumor and a broken back
‘This is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. I’ve never been one to ask for help, but this is an emergency. Thank you.’
A musician and actor, David served as the lead singer and songwriter for the legendary punk-rock band New York Dolls before embarking on his own solo career.
He has also created music as his alter ego, Buster Poindexter, including the 1987 hit Hot Hot Hot.
As an actor, David has numerous credits under his name, including a role as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 1988 Bill Murray-led dark comedy Scrooged.
