Tony Bennett's wife offered a heartfelt message for the late singer as the world discovered how he endured his final days before his demise.
Bennett, who reportedly had no idea he had Alzheimer's disease, went through ups and downs in his life and career before reaching the peak of his life as a musician. Prior to his death, he was diagnosed with the progressive condition in 2016, though his family only revealed it to the public in 2021 following his final tour with Lady Gaga.
Tony Bennett's Memory Worsened Before Death
Following his death, a source revealed new details about Bennett's final days as he battled Alzheimer's disease until a few weeks before his what would have been 97th birthday.
When he marked his last collaboration with Lady Gaga in his Radio City concerts, "One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga," Bennett was said to have been saved by his singing as it always made him feel good despite his personal battle. In fact, it reportedly became part of his then-ongoing therapy to fight the brain disorder.
In his final days, the late "Rags to Riches" singer still followed his routine with the help of his wife, Susan Benedetto, in their New York City apartment. A source (via Ok! Magazine) revealed what his life looked like before his demise, saying that the singer remained positive despite his worsening memory.
"Tony spent his days mostly relaxing, listening to music, sitting and chatting with Susan, whom he adored," the insider continued. "He wasn't the old active and talkative Tony, but he spoke to his children and grandchildren whenever he could."
Tony Bennett's Wife "Lucky" To Have Singer
As Bennett's fans and family continue to mourn his death, the "I've Got You Under My Skin" singer's wife shared an exclusive statement to People in which she remembered her husband's "wonderful soul" and recalled the greatest moments she had with him.
Susan Benedetto unveiled a photo of the late singer staring out of a window, which she took during their honeymoon in 2007 in Florence. She praised him for having a wonderful soul, but she also shared how she became lucky because of him.
"Benedetto, his family name, which I made my own when we married, means 'the blessed one,' and I was most certainly blessed to have Tony in my life," she continued.
Bennett ultimately died on Friday at the age of 96, after nearly seven years of his battle with Alzheimer's disease.
