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Legendary Jazz Singer Tony Bennett Dies At Age 96

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Heartbreaking news this Friday; Tony Bennett, the legendary crooner best known for singing “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” has passed away.

Bennet’s publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed the news to The Associated Press, saying he died in his hometown of New York. At this time there was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

Despite his health battle, he continued to perform and record through 2021. In 2022, Bennett went on to perform his final shows, alongside Lady Gaga, who he shared his 20th Grammy Award with. Gaga has always looked up to him and even praised him in 2015 for being a staple in the industry with his timeless music. She said at the time,

“The way that we dispose of music all the time, and dispose of art and decades (past) all the time, as if they’re dated, that being nostalgic is for geeks — it’s painful,” Bennett’s friend and frequent collaborator Lady Gaga said in 2015. “So much of the music that has been introduced through the Great American Songbook, through Fred Astaire, is passed on through generations of men and women, and Tony is one of those men.”

Aside from Gaga, he also had amazing performances with singers like the legendary Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him “the best singer in the business”. Bennett wasn’t just your average Jazz singer. During seven decade career, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, and was even honored with lifetime achievement award.

Tony Bennett
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 30: Tony Bennett attends the 45th Chaplin Award Gala Honoring Helen Mirren on April 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Zimmerman/FilmMagic)

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The Alzheimer’s Association has also released a statement on his passing saying it is deeply saddened by the death of legendary singer Tony Bennett. “Following his diagnosis, Bennett was an incredible advocate for the cause, sharing his story publicly to help reduce stigma and elevate the conversation on behalf of the millions of families facing the disease.”

“The Alzheimer’s Association joins the world in mourning the loss of Tony Bennett, a great friend and champion of the cause. For decades, Tony inspired the world with his music and, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he continued to use that powerful voice to make a very real difference in inspiring action and change,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, president and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association. “For the Bennett family, and the millions of others impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, we will continue our work of increasing awareness and education, providing families support, and advancing research and treatments, to slow, stop and ultimately, cure Alzheimer’s disease.”

As heartbreaking as this news of his passing is, many fans are paying tribute to him online:

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