Tony Bennett's Legacy Lives On: Celebrities Pay Tribute as Music Icon Passes Away at Age 96
Celebrities pay tribute to the late Tony Bennett, a legendary musician who passed away at 96 Al Roker, Nile Rodgers, George Takei, and more mourn the loss of this iconic artist
The music industry and Hollywood were both deeply shaken by the news of Tony Bennett's passing. On July 21, it was revealed that the iconic singer had died in New York at the age of 96. Although the exact cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016. In a poignant finale, he performed his last concert alongside his close friend and longtime collaborator, Lady Gaga, five years later.
Reflecting on her time spent with Bennett after the Radio City Music Hall show, Gaga expressed the difficulty of witnessing someone change in an October 2021 60 Minutes interview. She emphasized the beauty and challenge of seeing how the changes affected him, while also recognizing that his talent remained unaffected. Gaga praised Bennett for pushing through obstacles to share the important message that things can change and one can still be magnificent.
Notably, despite his condition, Bennett did not rely on notes or cues during the concert. Gaga observed that when the music played, something transformative happened to him, and he instinctively knew what to do. For Gaga, the priority was to ensure that she did not interfere with Bennett's musical prowess.
Bennett, a legendary artist who achieved great success with 20 Grammy Awards, two Emmys, and a Kennedy Center Honor, passed away just weeks before his 97th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, whom he married in 2007, as well as his four children.
Scroll down to witness how prominent figures have paid tribute to Bennett following his demise.
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Tony Bennett Dead: Celebrities Mourn After Legendary Musician Dies at Age 96
Tony Bennett's death sent shockwaves through the music industry, but the loss was felt in all corners of Hollywood.
On Friday, July 21, it was reported that the iconic singer passed away in New York at the age of 96. Although the specific cause of his death was not immediately disclosed, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016. Five years later, he performed his last concert alongside his friend and long-time collaborator, Lady Gaga.
Following the Radio City Music Hall show, Gaga shared her thoughts on her time spent with Bennett during an interview on 60 Minutes in October 2021. "It's difficult to witness someone undergo a transformation," she expressed. "What has been both beautiful and challenging is seeing how it affects him in certain ways, yet how it does not diminish his talent. He truly persevered to demonstrate to the world that change is possible, while remaining magnificent."
Despite his condition, Bennett performed at the concert without relying on notes or cue cards. Gaga remarked that when the music starts, something magical happens to him, as he intuitively knows what to do. Gaga's priority is to ensure that she doesn't hinder his performance.
Bennett, a highly acclaimed artist who had received numerous accolades including 20 Grammy Awards, two Emmys, and a Kennedy Center Honor, passed away just a few weeks shy of his 97th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, whom he married in 2007, and his four children.
Scroll down to see how celebrities have honored Bennett in the wake of his death:
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George Takei
Takei praised Bennett as "the final representative of his genre" and "an expert in performing classic American songs" in a sincere tweet. "Although he left his love for San Francisco, he won over all of us, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Rest in peace, and serenade us from the heavens, Tony," he expressed.
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Nile Rodgers
"My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett's family and friends. They're also my emotional family and friends," the producer tweeted alongside a photo of Bennett.
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Josh Gad
When news broke on Friday, Gad shared his thoughts on Twitter, stating, "Although anyone would agree that living for 96 years is an impressive feat, it is still difficult to fathom a world without the legendary Tony Bennett."
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Al Roker and 'Today' Hosts
Roker reminisced about witnessing the mesmerizing talent of the "extraordinary" artist on the Friday edition of Today. Sharing his sentiments with his cohosts, he described the artist as a benevolent individual who embodied the essence of New York. "He was not only a cherished friend of the show but also a remarkable force to behold," Roker expressed.
Carson Daly later proclaimed that Bennett's musical talent was unparalleled in the annals of American history. Notably, Daly emphasized that the focus had never been solely on Tony Bennett himself, but rather on the timeless treasure that is the Great American Songbook.
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Yvette Nicole Brown
The actress shared a broken-heart emoji via Twitter, adding, "Ninety-six is a long life but I still thought he'd live forever. #RIPTonyBennett."
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Dick Vitale
"Yes one of the great voices of all time - loved seeing him perform - TONY BENNETT was a superstar that was 'MR CLASS' May Tony RIP!" the sports analyst tweeted on Friday.
