The late legendary singer, Tony Bennett, passed away in July at the age of 96, seven years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Bennett’s son, Danny, has recently disclosed his father’s final words. In a heartfelt conversation with Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of the “Today” show, Danny revealed, “His last words to me were, ‘Thank you.’”
Danny, the son of Tony Bennett and his ex-wife Patricia Beech, further discussed his father’s unwavering determination to continue singing despite his medical condition. Accompanied by his father’s widow, Susan Benedetto, Danny reflected on how Tony would question why he was visiting the doctor. Bennett would reassure Benedetto after the visits that he was fine and didn’t need to return.
Susan Benedetto, the late singer’s widow, expressed that Tony’s musical spirit remained unbroken till his final moments. The last song he performed was “Because of You,” his first hit. She further shared that Bennett would reaffirm his love for her every day and always woke up with happiness.
An Instagram post on Tony Bennett’s account announced his passing, saying he was still singing at his piano the other day, and his last song was “Because of You,” his first #1 hit. The post expressed the legacy Bennett left behind in the form of his heart-touching songs that continue to reside in the hearts of his fans.
Bennett, best known for hits like “Rags to Riches,” “New York State of Mind,” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. He had always expressed his wish to be remembered as a nice person.
In a 2021 interview with AARP Magazine, Susan Benedetto candidly discussed the challenges of her husband’s illness. She admitted missing many aspects of the “old Tony.” However, she stated, when he sang, he was the “old Tony.” Throughout his illness, it appears Bennett’s love for music remained a consistent part of his identity. His continued passion for singing served as a poignant testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft.
