here's a long shot of the plant

Here is a link that might be useful:

You could just cut off the dead portion and let it grow from the base.

I had one about that size and a squirrel broke off the top half of it 2 years ago. What was left kept growing and it is over 4 feet tall now.

Thank you for the reply. I just went out and cut it down so we'll see what happens. *fingers crossed*

Good luck! That's the only thing I know to try.