Katie Peterson
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Last updated on September 7th, 2023 at 01:44 am
There are very few members of the performing arts world to whom you say their name, and everyone knows exactly who you’re talking about. American singer Tony Bennett, a legendary jazz and traditional pop artist, was undoubtedly one of them with his soulful voice and smooth, effortless delivery every time.
The news of Tony Bennett’s death was heartbreaking, even though he lived a long, fruitful, successful life.
How did Tony Bennett die? What was the value of Tony Bennett’s estate when he passed away?
Find out all this and more about Tony Bennett’s cause of death below.
How Did Tony Bennett Die?
While no specific word has been given for Tony Bennett’s cause of death has been announced, it is believed that his final days came about because of his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
When Did Tony Bennett Die?
Tony Bennett passed away on July 21, 2023, in his New York City home.
How Old Was Tony Bennett When He Died?
At the time of Tony Bennett’s death, he was 96.
Where is Tony Bennett Buried?
According to the Queens Chronicle, Tony Bennett was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York, shortly after Tony Bennett’s funeral.
The gravestone, which was dedicated on Aug. 9, says: “In memory of my beloved husband, John, 1895-1936; his mother, Maria, 1860-1931; our beloved mother, Anna M., 1899-1977.” The engravement ends with “Anthony, 1926-2023.” At the bottom, the grave is marked by Bennett’s given last name, “Benedetto.”
Details of Tony Bennett’s funeral held before the burial have never been divulged to the public, but we’re sure many of his beloved fans will be paying their final respects to the deceased’s gravesite.
What Was Tony Bennett’s Net Worth When He Died?
Thanks to his multi-decade career’s worth of music, albums, touring, and even success as a painter, Tony Bennett’s net worth at the time of his death was approximately $200 million.
Who Inherited Tony Bennett’s Money?
Who inherited the “Stranger in Paradise” singer’s $200 million wealth is not officially known. Still, it’s believed that Tony Bennett’s children – Danny, Dae, Joanna, and Antonia – will be the primary beneficiaries of Tony Bennett’s will.
Until the very end, the international icon’s relationship with his children remained strong, especially considering his children’s involvement in their father’s career. Antonia was a performer herself, opening up for her father on many occasions, and Danny served as his manager for many years.
Tony Bennett’s children aren’t the only ones expected to benefit from Tony Bennett’s estate. Susan Crow will also probably benefit from Tony Bennett’s will.
What Were Tony Bennett’s Last Words?
The legendary crooner’s final words were classic, heartfelt, and straightforward in true Tony Bennett fashion.
In an interview with the Today Show’s Hoda Kotb less than two weeks after Bennett’s death, his son, Danny Bennett, said, “His last words to me, ‘Thank you.’ Can’t say it better than that.”
Noting his father was “a man of the people,” Danny Bennett continued to say that was made evident by the outpouring of love from the public. “As we’re seeing in this amazing outpour, it’s coming from every sector, whether it’s music or art, or the cab driver on the street and the hot dog guy, it was an amazing journey [being Tony Bennett’s son].”
Meanwhile, the “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” singer’s late wife also shared her husband’s final words to her. Once again, they were simple and classic. “That he loved me,” she said.
What Does Lady Gaga Say About Tony Bennett’s Death?
Considering their duo album was one of Tony Bennett’s last recordings, it’s unsurprising that people wonder what Lady Gaga had to say about the legendary singer’s death.
She was one of many celebrities to post a tribute on social media soon after announcing the news. “I will miss my friend forever. I will miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage today,” she posted to Instagram about her “Cheek to Cheek” duet partner.
“With Tony, I got to live my life in a time warp. Tony and I had this magical power. We transported ourselves to another era, modernized the music together, and gave it all new life as a singing duo. But it wasn’t an act. Our relationship was very real.”
Many other big names in the business paid tribute as well. Carrie Underwood was another of Bennett’s former duet partners over the years that posted a tribute to social media.
“Rest in peace, Tony. You were the epitome of a gentleman with a God-given, one-of-a-kind voice. It was truly a great honor of my career and of my life to get to share the stage with you…” the “Something in the Water” singer posted to Instagram alongside several photos of her and Bennett over the years.
Related: Carrie Underwood’s Net Worth
Tony Bennett’s Battle with Alzheimer’s
How long did Tony Bennett have Alzheimer’s before he died? Bennett was diagnosed with the disease in 2016, though it was only announced publicly five years later in February 2021, meaning he bravely wrestled with it for seven years.
The “Because of You” singer didn’t let his diagnosis stop him, however, as he continued to perform for as long as he could. In fact, to fight against the usual symptoms of the disease, including disorientation, depression, and difficulty keeping with reality, he had bi-weekly singing rehearsals as recently as 2021 when he was doing his farewell performances.
According to AARP Magazine, Bennett’s neurologist confirmed this benefit, noting that the “Rags to Riches” singer’s touring schedule “kept him on his toes and also stimulated his brain in a significant way.”
So, why can people with dementia still remember music? According to Northwestern.edu, it’s because music “regions of the brain that are involved in musical memory and processing (like the cerebellum) are not as affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia until much later in the disease course.”
This proved true in the case of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductee.
In his final years of performing, the “My Funny Valentine” cover singer didn’t even stop recording, even joining Lady Gaga for the pair’s duo album, Love for Sale, in 2021.
This project earned him a spot on the Guinness World Records list for being the oldest person to release an album of new material, being 95 years and 60 days old at the time of its release. The album also allowed the “Lady is a Tramp” singer to break the individual record for the longest run of a top-10 album on the Billboard 200 chart. His previous top 10 record was 1962’s I Left My Heart in San Francisco.
As his Alzheimer’s progressed, his short-term memory was the main thing that was affected, according to his son, Danny. While he would often fail to remember that he had just been on stage performing, he never forgot the lyrics to his songs.
While he retired in August 2021 following his final two performances at Radio City Music Hall, his ability to remember his songs never ceased. Following his death, his family said that he was singing all the way to the end, singing his first ever hit in the 1950s, “Because of You,” as his last hurrah before he was officially deceased.
Related: Lady Gaga Facts
How Many Marriages Did Tony Bennett Have?
Three women over the years held the title as the wife of Tony Bennett. Tony Bennett’s children came about from his first two marriages, whom he is survived by.
His first marriage was to Patricia Beech from 1952 until 1971. Their two sons, Danny and Daegal were born in 1954 and 1955, respectively. Their split came about for myriad reasons, including strain from Bennet being on the road and adultery on the singer’s part.
The “Life in a Looking Glass” singer’s second marriage was to aspiring actress Sanda Grant, whom he met in 1965 while on the set of the film, The Oscar. The pair married in New York on Dec. 29, 1971. They had two daughters, Joanna (1970) and Antonia (1974), from their relationship. The couple were married for 12 years before splitting in 1983.
Bennett’s third wife was Susan Crow, whom he is also survived by. The two began their relationship in the 1980s. He and the former New York City schoolteacher finally tied the knot on June 21, 2007.
The former governor of New York, Mario Cuomo, witnessed the private civil ceremony. Over the years, the lovebirds accomplished many things together, including the founding of the Exploring the Arts charitable organization, which creates, promotes, and supports education in the arts, and a public high school, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens (2001), dedicated to the performing arts. It forever earned him the title of a philanthropic legend.
Related: 11 Best Frank Sinatra Songs of All Time
When Did Tony Bennett Start Painting?
While music was what he was best known for, Tony Bennett was also a successful painter. He began drawing at five and later studied music and art at the High School of Art and Design in New York.
What Are Tony BeBennett’saintings Worth?
Tony Bennett made quite a sizable profit for his paintings over the years at auctions. His paintings have sold for as little as $30 to as much as $15,625.
Related: 21 Best Jazz Songs
Was Tony Bennett a Soldier?
Yes. Upon his 18th birthday in 1944, Tony Bennett was drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of World War II.
What Did Tony Bennett Do in WW2?
From April 24-27, 1945, the eventual jazz singer was among the soldiers who were able to liberate the Kaufering Concentration Camp, known as the largest subcamp of the Dachau complex during the war.
Conclusion
With more than 50 million records sold and numerous accolades, from a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to two Primetime Emmy Awards and 20 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, to being named a Kennedy Center Honoree and an NEA Jazz Master, Tony Bennett has become one of the most beloved icons and influential singers in music history.
No wonder he has been lauded as a “legendary interpreter” and “champion” of the Great American Songbook. He will be sorely missed.
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