🚨 Why Susan Dey Said “NO” to a ‘Partridge Family’ Reunion – You Won’t Believe Who She Refused to Work With! 😳📺

For years, fans of The Partridge Family have hoped for a reunion of the groovy, musically-inclined TV clan that defined a generation.

Susan Dey: What 'The Partridge Family' Star Is Doing Today | First For Women

With retro revivals of ‘70s shows gaining momentum, it seemed only natural that ABC or a streaming platform would cash in on the charm and nostalgia of the Partridges.

But there was just one problem—Susan Dey, the show’s breakout star, wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.

And now, decades after the show ended, we’re finally learning why.

At the center of the drama is none other than her former co-star and teen heartthrob, David Cassidy.

While Cassidy’s on-screen persona as the dreamy, guitar-strumming Keith Partridge was beloved by millions, things behind the scenes weren’t quite so harmonious—at least, not for Dey.

Despite years of silence, insiders close to the production have confirmed what many long suspected: Susan Dey turned down multiple reunion offers because of lingering resentment and unresolved issues involving Cassidy.

Susan Dey: Find Out What 'The Partridge Family' And 'L.A. Law' Star Is  Doing Today

Their complicated relationship began during the show’s original run in the early 1970s.

Dey, just a teenager at the time, reportedly had a major crush on Cassidy.

While Cassidy, already a teen idol, enjoyed the attention of fans and co-stars alike, he never returned Dey’s romantic interest—at least not in the way she had hoped.

Years later, Cassidy would admit in his autobiography that he had a brief fling with Dey after the show ended, but dismissed it casually, even mockingly, writing that she “wasn’t very experienced” and revealing private details that many felt were unnecessary and disrespectful.

Those comments, according to sources close to Dey, were the final straw.

She felt deeply betrayed—not only by the rejection but by Cassidy’s public airing of intimate details that were never meant for the spotlight.

Susan Dey Refused To Attend 'The Partridge Family' Reunion Because Of This  One Co-Star - YouTube

Dey, who has always valued her privacy and distanced herself from Hollywood’s obsession with scandal, was reportedly devastated by the book’s portrayal of their relationship.

It painted her as naïve, while elevating Cassidy’s own rock-star mystique.

The fallout was so intense that she allegedly cut all ties with him afterward—and with the show altogether.

Over the years, producers attempted to rally the original cast for TV specials, interviews, and full-blown reunions, especially during milestone anniversaries.

But each time, Dey declined.

Her refusal was unwavering—and always linked to one non-negotiable: David Cassidy’s involvement.

The Partridge Family's Taboo On-Set Romance (& Other Facts) - YouTube

“She made it clear she wouldn’t share a stage, a screen, or even a conference call with him,” said one former producer who attempted to coordinate a reunion in the early 2000s.

“It wasn’t about money.

It was about principle.

She felt humiliated, and she wasn’t going to pretend everything was okay for the cameras.

Ironically, Cassidy had expressed interest in rekindling the magic of The Partridge Family in his later years, especially as he faced health issues and personal struggles before his tragic death in 2017.

But Dey remained firm in her silence.

She made no public statements after his passing, and chose not to attend the private memorial services that other cast members were part of.

The Partridge Family" To Play or Not to Play? (TV Episode 1971) - IMDb

While some interpreted her absence as cold, those who knew her best say it was simply the final chapter of a deeply personal and painful story.

To her credit, Dey has managed to stay largely out of the Hollywood spotlight since her breakout fame, building a life of quiet dignity and avoiding the gossip circuit.

Her refusal to participate in the Partridge reunion wasn’t driven by pettiness—but by a deep wound that had never truly healed.

Those close to her describe it as a boundary—a line she was unwilling to cross, even for the sake of fan adoration or career nostalgia.

And yet, her decision continues to spark debate among fans.

Was she right to walk away from a cultural legacy over a personal betrayal? Or did her silence rob longtime viewers of the reunion they so desperately wanted? Either way, one thing is clear: the story of The Partridge Family isn’t as squeaky-clean as the TV screen once made it seem.

Susan Dey - Wikipedia

Susan Dey’s silence has, in many ways, spoken louder than any interview.

Her absence from the reunion circuit sends a message that some things—dignity, self-respect, and personal truth—matter more than fame or flashbacks.

It’s a reminder that behind every “perfect” Hollywood family lies a tangle of real emotions, real pain, and in some cases, real betrayal.

And while we may never get the full cast together again, we’ve certainly got the truth—and for many fans, that’s even more fascinating than the music.