According to Tony Bennett’s widow, the world can “forever” find “joy” in his legacy. Devastated Susan Benedetto, 56, has spoken out for the first time to honour her ‘Rags to Riches’ musician husband, who passed away on Friday, 2107.23, at the age of 96 following a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
“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,” Susan, who became Tony’s third wife when they got married in 2007, wrote on Instagram.
“Tony liked performing the songs he loved and making people happy, from his first performances as a singing waiter in Queens to his last performances in 2021 at Radio City Music Hall. And despite how terrible today has been for all of us, Tony’s legacy will always bring us joy.
Bennett’s son Danny, who he had with his first wife Patricia Beech, and Susan both signed the statement.
A post on Tony’s Instagram account read: “Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, ‘Because of You,’ his first #1 song.” Tony, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto, passed away in his beloved New York City two weeks before his 97th birthday.
During meeting Patricia Beech during one of his nightclub performances, Tony Bennette wed her in 1952. The singer had a son named Dae in addition to Danny, who went on to manage Tony. He and Patricia divorced in 1971 after Patricia filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery four years after their separation in 1965. Sandra Grant was his second wife, whom he wed in 1972 and divorced in 1983.
After falling in love with Susan, Tony wrote in his 2016 autobiography “Just Getting Started” that their 40-year age difference was initially problematic before it went away.
In his autobiography, he wrote: “Susan Benedetto has shown me how love gives you the confidence and courage to be your best self, as well as the inner peace and contentment that come with them.” In Queens, New York, Tony and Susan established the performing arts high school and the nonprofit organisation Exploring the Arts.