As tributes continue to pour in for the late Tony Bennett, his family have broken their silence on his passing while revealing how they are finding comfort in the legacy he has left behind.
Bennett passed away at the age of 96 on Friday, July 21, Bennett’s publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed the passing of the I Left My Heart In San Francisco hitmaker, revealing that he died in his hometown of New York.
As the world grapples to come to terms with the loss of the music icon, Bennett’s family have spoken of their own grief. In a message shared on Instagram, Bennett’s wife, Susan Benedetto, and her son Danny joined fans in mourning Bennett while revealing what is helping them navigate this difficult time.
“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 family wrote.
“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.
“And as sad as today has been for all of us we can find joy in Tony’s legacy forever.”
While news of Bennett’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes, the message from Bennett’s family saw a fresh round of reflections and tributes pour in from fans.
“Rest in peace Tony. Thank you for all the days you accompanied our lives,” one fan wrote.
“I had the honor of seeing his last concert at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga. He was a kind man and a true talent. He will be missed.”
“I am so heartbroken to hear that we’ve lost Tony… It was like a member of our family… I listen to him all of my life growing up and still to this day… I love you, Tony, and rest in peace. God bless you and thank you for all of the beautiful music… They’ll never be another Tony,” commented another.
“Sending you all so much love and light. An extraordinary life and person. His legacy will live forever in our hearts.”
“THANK YOU FOR YOU!! You will live forever! LEGEND! Rest Easy.”
Given Bennett’s extraordinary talent, unparalleled accomplishments, and the lasting impact he had on the music world, it’s no wonder that his passing elicited such a profound response from fans worldwide.
Bennett earned numerous accolades for his incredible musical talent, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett’s musical journey encompassed jazz and popular hits, captivating the hearts of fans worldwide, and selling over 50 million records.
Bennett’s passion for music began at a young age, and even as a U.S. Army infantryman during World War II, his love for music never wavered. His breakthrough came with the chart-topping hit Because of You in 1951, followed by other beloved tracks such as Rags to Riches.
In 1962, he released his signature song, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, well and truly cementing his place in music history. Despite facing challenges during the rock music era, Bennett made a strong comeback in the late ’80s and ’90s, producing gold record albums and even gaining popularity among the MTV generation while remaining committed to his signature sound.
In addition to his many accolades and personal achievements, Bennett also collaborated with fellow legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and most recently Lady Gaga. His collaboration with Lady Gaga on the album Cheek to Cheek in 2014 earned him renewed acclaim, and their second album, Love for Sale in 2021, broke records on the Billboard 200 chart, reaffirming Bennett’s timeless appeal.
Even while battling Alzheimer’s, Bennett continued performing. His final shows at Radio City Music Hall on his 95th birthday were a powerful reminder of his passion for music and dedication to his craft.