Bobby Sherman, a pop star famous for his songs in the '60s and '70s, has passed away at 81

Bobby Sherman, the pop singer and heartthrob whose winning smile and trademark shaggy hair helped him become a teen sensation in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like "Little Woman" and "Julie, Do Ya Love Me," has died at 81.

Sherman's spouse, Brigitte Poublon shared news of his death on Tuesday. Actor John Stamos posted her message on Instagram: "Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace." Sherman had disclosed earlier this year that doctors had diagnosed him with Stage 4 cancer.

Sherman graced the covers of popular teen magazines such as Tiger Beat and Sixteen known for his youthful looks hair covering his eyes, and stylish chokers. His image appeared on lunchboxes, cereal boxes, and posters decorating fans' bedroom walls. He ranked eighth on TV Guide's list of "TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols."

Sherman was one of many teenage heartthrobs in a tradition going back to Ricky Nelson in the 1950s. His popularity helped open doors for future stars such as David Cassidy and, in later years, Justin Bieber.

In a 1997 interview with The Tulsa World, Sherman reflected on his notoriety, saying, "People often ask, 'Well, if you could go back and change things, what would you do?'" And I don't think there is anything I would change, aside from perhaps being a little more conscious of it, as I think I could have enjoyed it a bit more. It took a lot of effort. There was a lot of tears, sweat, and blood. However, those were the best times.

From Teen Stardom to a Hollywood Breakthrough

Sherman was raised in the San Fernando Valley of California, where he participated in a high school band and sang Ricky Nelson songs.

In 1998, Sherman told The Sunday News, "I grew up in a pretty strict family." "Law and order were crucial." Be mindful of other people's feelings and show respect for your neighbors. I wasn't the type of boy who engaged in mischievous behavior for its own sake.

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Sherman's life changed when his girlfriend took him to a party in Hollywood while he was a community college student studying child psychology. Sal Mineo, Natalie Wood, and Jane Fonda were among the celebrities who approached him after his onstage performance. He got an audition and joined Shindig! in a matter of days.

Sherman's performance in the comedy Here Come the Brides, which was set in Seattle in the 1870s, in 1968 marked his real breakthrough to stardom. He performed the theme song, "Seattle," and played Jeremy Bolt, who frequently got into arguments with David Soul's character, his brother.

He became the first performer to be the star of three TV shows before turning thirty with his follow-up show, Getting Together, which was a spinoff of The Partridge Family. In 1969, he achieved a gold record with "Little Woman," his first major single.

"While the rest of the world seemed jumbled up and threatening, Sherman's smiling visage beamed from the bedroom walls of hundreds of thousands of teenage girls, a reassuring totem against the riots, drugs, war protests, and free love that raged outside," the Tulsa World wrote, describing Sherman's influence as a reassuring presence for teens during turbulent times.

Sherman also starred in movies like Get Crazy, He Is My Brother, and Wild in the Streets.

A New Era: Music to Medicine

Sherman made the decision to step away from the limelight following years of nonstop touring and filming. Sherman told The Washington Post, "I would shoot five days a week, board a plane on Friday night, and then fly back to the studio to resume filming after attending matinee and evening shows on Saturday and Sunday." "I didn't know what home was for three years because it was so hectic."

As Sherman and his first wife, Patti Carnel, raised their sons, his interest in medicine grew. As the primary first-aid provider at home, he eventually received official Red Cross training.

"Even if I'm in my own car, I feel obligated to stop and help if I see an accident."

Sherman secured courthouses as a reserve deputy for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. He claimed to have helped deliver five babies in emergency situations, including one who was born on a sidewalk and was subsequently given the name Roberta in his honor.

Later Life and Charity

In 1999, Sherman was recognized by the Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation and the FBI as the LAPD's Reserve Officer of the Year.

On the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004, former Congressman Howard McKeon commended Sherman, stating, "Bobby is a stellar example of the statement 'to protect and serve.'

In the 1990s, Sherman made sporadic appearances on stage again, joining the "Teen Idols Tour" with Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, Micky Dolenz, and Davy Jones of the Monkees. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Sherman's performances were replete with autographs, teddy bears, and fan adoration.

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Additionally, he was a co-founder of the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children's Foundation, which offers welfare, education, and health services to Ghanaian children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sherman is survived by his two sons, Tyler and Christopher, as well as his wife, Brigitte.

He remained strong for me even in his last days. Bobby was courageous, kind, and radiant, and that's what he was," Poublon wrote.