Tony Bennett‘s dying despatched shockwaves by the music business, however the loss was felt in all corners of Hollywood.
Information broke on Friday, July 21, that the legendary singer died in New York at age 96. Whereas his reason for dying was not instantly revealed, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. He carried out his remaining live performance 5 years later alongside pal and longtime collaborator Lady Gaga.
Months after the Radio City Music Hall present, Gaga mirrored on her time spent with Bennett. “It’s hard to watch somebody change,” she mentioned in an October 2021 60 Minutes interview. “I believe what’s been stunning about this, and what’s been difficult, is to see the way it impacts him in some methods, however to see the way it doesn’t have an effect on his expertise. I believe he actually pushed by one thing to present the world the reward of realizing that issues can change and you may nonetheless be magnificent.”
Regardless of his situation, Bennett didn’t depend on notes or cue playing cards in the course of the live performance. “When that music comes on … one thing occurs to him,” Gaga mentioned. “He is aware of precisely what he’s doing. And what’s essential for me, really, simply to ensure that I don’t get in the best way of that.”
Bennett — who earned 20 Grammy Awards, two Emmys and a Kennedy Middle Honor all through his profession — was weeks away from his 97th birthday when he died. He’s survived by his spouse, Susan Benedetto, whom he wed in 2007, and his 4 youngsters.
Scroll all the way down to see how celebrities have honored Bennett within the wake of his dying:
