Music icon Neil Sedaka has died aged 86 after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital. The singer was hospitalised on Friday morning following a sudden medical emergency, but his condition later worsened. His family confirmed his death in a statement to TMZ.

They said: "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."

The hitmaker, best known for a string of chart-topping classics including You Gotta Make Your Own Sunshine, was taken ill in the early hours of the morning and rushed to hospital by ambulance, according to TMZ. Sources told the outlet that the 86-year-old songwriter fell unwell at home, prompting an urgent call for medical assistance.

Authorities have since confirmed emergency services were called to assist after the singer became unwell. The Los Angeles County West Hollywood sheriff's station responded to a "medical request" and assisted the fire department at the scene. Paramedics transported Neil Sedaka by ambulance to a local Los Angeles hospital at around 8am. He remains there receiving treatment, with no further details released about the nature of his illness at this time. Fans quickly took to social media to pay tribute to the singer, whose career spanned more than six decades.

The health scare comes after a career spanning more than six decades. Neil scored multiple No.1 hits in the early 1960s, including Oh! Carol and Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, before enjoying a major resurgence in the 1970s with chart-toppers Laughter in the Rain and Bad Blood.

He was also a founding member of the Tokens, the group formed in the late 1950s that famously recorded The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Over the years, the songwriter was nominated for five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. He later received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contribution to music.

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Throughout his career, Neil worked with a long list of music legends. Early on, he collaborated closely with lyricist Howard Greenfield, before teaming up with Phil Cody in the 1970s.

He also penned songs for major artists including Connie Francis, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones and Captain & Tennille, and wrote with Elton John.

Sedaka was married to his wife Leba Strassberg since 1962, and the couple share two adult children - daughter Dara, 62, a vocalist, and son Marc, 59, a screenwriter.

Family has long been central to his life and career. He famously collaborated with Dara on the hit Should've Never Let You Go, while also working with Marc on a series of children's books.