Who Is Neil Sedaka’s Wife Leba Strassberg? All About Their Marriage and Children

The music world is grieving the loss of legendary singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, who passed away on February 27, 2026, at the age of 86. The beloved performer was celebrated for timeless hits including “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Laughter in the Rain.”

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with TMZ and Variety, expressing their profound sorrow.

“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.”

As tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists, many are reflecting not only on Sedaka’s musical legacy but also on his enduring marriage to his wife, Leba Strassberg.

Who Is Leba Strassberg?

Sedaka is survived by his wife of more than six decades, Leba Strassberg. Their love story began in the 1950s at Esther Manor, a resort where Sedaka was performing with a band. Strassberg, whose mother Esther Goldstein Strassberg co-owned the establishment, met the young musician there. Their connection was immediate, and what started as a youthful romance soon blossomed into lasting love.

The couple married in 1962 and went on to build a marriage that spanned over 60 years — a rarity in the entertainment industry.

Throughout Sedaka’s rise to international fame, Strassberg largely remained out of the public eye. She focused on supporting her husband behind the scenes and nurturing their family life. Despite the demands of a high-profile career, Sedaka often credited his family as his foundation and source of stability.

Meet Neil Sedaka’s Children and Grandchildren

Together, Neil and Leba welcomed two children, Marc and Dara Sedaka, both of whom pursued creative careers.

Dara Sedaka established herself as a recording artist and also lent her voice to numerous television and radio commercials. Meanwhile, Marc Sedaka built a successful career as a screenwriter based in Los Angeles.

Marc later married Samantha Sedaka, and the couple has three children. Sedaka was a proud grandfather to twin granddaughters Amanda and Charlotte, as well as a grandson, Michael.

His grandchildren played a meaningful role in his later creative projects. Inspired by them, Sedaka released the children’s album “Waking Up Is Hard to Do,” a playful reimagining of his classic songs. The project became a family collaboration, with Marc contributing adaptations and Sedaka’s granddaughters providing backup vocals.

What Was the Cause of Death?

The family did not disclose an official cause of death in their public statement. However, TMZ reported that deputies from the Los Angeles County West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station responded to a medical assistance call on the morning of February 27, 2026. Sedaka was transported to a Los Angeles hospital around 8 a.m. local time.

According to Rolling Stone, the singer had reportedly been unwell for some time before his hospitalization. Representatives later confirmed that he passed away shortly thereafter.

Neil Sedaka leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy, a devoted family, and generations of fans who will continue to cherish his unforgettable songs.