Legendary Singer Tony Bennett Dead at 96
Susan Crow's love is here to stay.
Following the death of music icon Tony Bennett at age 96, his wife of 16 years and his eldest son Danny Bennett spoke out on the emotional loss in a joint statement.
"Thank you to all the fans, friends and colleagues of Tony's who celebrated his life and humanity and shared their love of him and his musical legacy," the pair wrote on his Instagram page July 21. "From his first performances as a singing waiter in Queens to his last performances in 2021 at Radio City Music Hall, Tony delighted in performing the songs he loved and making people happy."
Susan, 56, and Danny added, "And as sad as today has been for all of us we can find joy in Tony's legacy forever."
The message was accompanied by a photo of a gleeful Tony performing at New York's hallowed Radio City Music Hall on his 95th Birthday.
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Tony was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, but his cause of death has not been shared.
The musician was dad to four kids: Danny, 69, and Daegal "Dae" Bennett, 68, with his first wife, Patricia Beech, and daughters Joanna Bennett, 53, and Antonia Bennett, 49, with Sandra Grant.
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Danny grew up to become his father's manager, taking on the role in 1979 and serving until Tony's retirement two years ago. For his part, the "New York State of Mind" singer was thrilled to keep the business in the family.
"I realize how fortunate I am to have someone, in Danny, that is truly looking out for my best interests," he told The New York Times in 1999, "and not just in it for the money."
Tony met his wife Susan—who served as the leader of a Tony Bennett fan club—at one of his concerts when she was 19. They dated for 20 years before tying the knot in 2007.
"It tickled me that someone of her age was so devoted to my music," Tony wrote in his autobiography. "I not only agreed to say hello to her backstage but asked her to be my date for the evening, and that's how it all really began."
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Throughout his career, he earned 20 Grammy Awards, released more than 70 albums and collaborated with artists including Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and more.
Keep reading to see Tony Bennett live the good life in photos.
photosView More Photos From Tony Bennett: A Life in Pictures