Obituary

SIMPSON, Stephanie February 16, 2009 Kevin Federline dies at age 30. Kevin Federline, noted dancer, entertainer, model and aspiring rapper who was best known for his marriage to Britney Spears has died. He was 30. Federline died unexpectedly at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday evening from a heart attack, authorities said. He was found by brother Chris Federline in his bedroom at 7 p.m. Federline was a talented dancer, model and rapper who began his career as a back up dancer for many stars such as Justin Timberlake, Christina Milian and LFO. He became known as a style icon and was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Male Fashion Icon. He released a rap album in 2006, and despite the critics, he still was a success in the entertainment industry. He was also a father of 4 children, 2 with ?Moesha? star, Shar Jackson and 2 with pop star Britney Spears. ?Kevin was still one of the most important people in my life,? ex-wife Britney Spears says, ?He cared so much and his heart was awesome. He had a really big heart and I loved that.? Federline was born in Fresno, Calif. in 1978. His career began in 1996 when he started dancing for the nonprofit organization, Dance Empowerment. He worked hard and raised money so that he could move to Los Angeles to pursue a professional dance career. ?He was so passionate about dance. That is the only thing he really enjoyed doing,? said his brother Chris Federline. He welcomed his first child, Kori, in 2002 with Jackson. Kevin wanted to be a young father. In 2005 he told Details that he did not know if he was going to be with children?s mother forever, but he was sure he would love them more then anything. Only a year later, he and Jackson had another child. Although Federline endured much criticism as a father, those close to him knew he was a great dad. ?My children love their dad more then anything. Even though our relationship didn?t last, he was still an amazing father to my children. In September of 2004, Federline married Britney Spears. Although their marriage did not last, those around the couple knew they truly loved eachother. Spears and Federline had two boys together and also starred in a reality show documenting their relationship. Despite the tabloids bashing their relationship, their love was real. Although their marriage did not last, Spears and Federline remained friends for their children. Federline released his debut album, ?Playing With Fire?, in 2006. Critics were not friendly, but that did not stop him. He was not going to let this get him down. He wanted the public to know that he was more then just Mr. Britney Spears. The public got to see the good side of Federline when ex-wife Spears began having problems and he stepped in to take care of his children. ?At this point, people began to see that he was a wonderful father and that he only wanted the best for his children,? said his brother Chris. He was name one of Detail?s most influential men under 45. He became an unexpected ?Father of the Year.? Although Federline faced some tough criticism from the public, he showed himself to be talented and a good father. ?He had some bumps in the road, but in the end, he showed himself to be a wonderful father to his children. He was a great person who loved to express himself through music and dance, but he definitely made his kids his first priority,? said Federline?s mother, Julie Lynne Bleak. He is most noted for his relationship with Spears, but throughout the years he made a name for himself, and that was what was most important to him. He wanted the public to see him for his own talents, not just as Britney Spear?s husband. ?He was a wonderful man. He always made the best of bad situations. He knew how to make anyone laugh,? said his step-sister, Nicole Presley. Federline is survived by his mother Julie Lynee Bleak; his father Mike; his brother Chris; sons Kaleb, Sean Preston and Jayden James; and daughter Kori.