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Neil Sedaka's cause of death has been revealed after his death aged 86. The singing legend, famous for hits including Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, was taken to hospital in Los Angeles in February. His family later confirmed he had died.

The singer-songwriter died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with kidney failure as a contributing factor, according to a death certificate obtained by Fox News in the US. Atherosclerosis is when fat and cholesterol build up inside arteries.

The singer's family said in a statement to The Mirror : “Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka. A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were lucky enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”

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Sedaka wrote or co-wrote more than 500 songs in a long music career that began in the late 1950s. His hits included 1959's Oh! Carol, 1960's Calendar Girl and 1961's Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen. His signature song, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do came in 1962.

He still played dozens of concerts each year well into his 80s, retaining his enthusiasm for performing his hits. His songs have sold millions worldwide and have been covered performers including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Nickelback.

The skilled pianist, who was nominated for five Grammy awards, also wrote hits for several other famous musicians in his six-decades-long career. He was also a key member of the 'Brill Building' songwriting factory and teamed up with his boyhood neighbour, lyracist Howard Greenfield, on a number of hits.

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He was married to Leba Strassberg, whom he wed in 1962. They shared Dara, 62, also a singer, and Marc, 59, a writer. The music star didn't always give an insight into his family life but did speak out last September as he celebrated National Grandparents' Day.