Music icon Neil Sedaka has been rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles, leaving fans across the globe concerned and hopeful for his swift recovery. The 86-year-old singer, renowned for his timeless hits such as "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Laughter in the Rain," reportedly fell ill late last week.
Insiders reveal that Sedaka "wasn't feeling well Friday morning and was taken in an ambulance," according to a report from TMZ. Local authorities confirmed that deputies cooperated with the fire department responding to the medical call. While Sedaka is said to be on the mend, further details about his condition have yet to be disclosed.
“Neil Sedaka is a true legend of the music industry, and our thoughts are with him and his family during this time,” said a fan on Twitter.
Sedaka's illustrious career began in the 1960s, where he garnered international fame. He enjoyed a resurgence in the '70s by writing hits for other artists, including collaborating with ABBA on their 1973 hit "Ring Ring" and working alongside Elton John. Sedaka's songwriting prowess is highlighted by hits like Tony Christie's "(Is This The Way To) Amarillo" and "Stupid Cupid," which became a massive hit for Connie Francis.
Beyond music, Sedaka's charismatic presence graced numerous television shows, including "The Carol Burnett Show" and "Saturday Night Live." His influence extended to the next generation, serving as a guest judge on "American Idol" in 2003.
Outside of his extraordinary showbiz career, Sedaka is a devoted family man. Married to Leba Strassberg since 1962, the couple shares two children, Dara and Marc, both of whom have followed creative paths. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sedaka stayed connected with his audience through "Today's Mini-Concert" on YouTube, where he shared his piano magic with fans.
His last major tour took him across the UK in 2017, and he continued to perform, even joining his grandson Mike for a duet on "Good Day New York" last year. Sedaka's fans worldwide hope for his speedy recovery so he can continue to fill the world with his enchanting music.