Tony Bennett’s widow Susan Benedetto is opening up about her late husband, two days after he died aged 96.
‘Benedetto, his family name, which I adopted when we got married, means “blessed,” Susan, 56, told People Sunday. ‘And I’m definitely blessed to have Tony in my life.’
Benedetto, who was born Susan Crowe, tied the knot with the singer on June 21, 2007, and has been her primary caregiver during her seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She shared a photo of the beloved Rags to Riches singer with the publication during their Florence, Italy honeymoon.
Benedetto said the Manhattan-born entertainer ‘loved, of course, to visit his ancestral homeland, and we spent many summers in Italy over the years, and it was always a special time for us, just the two of us.’
NEW DETAILS: Tony Bennett’s widow Susan Benedetto, 56, is opening up about memories of her late husband, two days after he died aged 96. The couple was pictured in NYC in 2019
The San Francisco performer described all the activities I enjoyed while visiting Italy.
‘Tony would paint all day, and then we’d eat pasta, which was his favorite food,’ said Benedetto. ‘Everyone knows Tony had a heart, but he was also a wonderful soul.’
Benedetto spoke for the first time since Friday’s death of the entertainer, issuing a joint statement with Bennett’s son Danny Bennett, who would have turned 3 on August 97.
In the statement, they expressed their gratitude to ‘all of Tony’s fans, friends and colleagues who have celebrated his life and humanity and shared their love for him and his musical legacy.’
They look back on the singer’s long career and the enthusiasm he has maintained over the years.
“From his first performance as a singing waiter in Queens to his final performance at Radio City Music Hall in 2021, Tony delighted in performing the songs he loved and making people happy,” they said. ‘And for all of us as sad as today is, we can forever find joy in Tony’s legacy.’
Bennett and Benedetto initially crossed paths following a singer’s show. They spent two decades with each other before getting married.
Bennett had been married twice before tying the knot with one-time teacher Benedetto. He was married to Patricia Beach from 1952 until their separation in 1965, their divorce being finalized in 1971. In 1971, he tied the knot with actress Sandra Grant and they separated in 1983.
Benedetto, who was born Susan Crowe, tied the knot with the singer on June 21, 2007. They were photographed in May 2019
Benedetto was the singer’s primary caregiver during her seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease
The legendary entertainer died Friday at the age of 96 after a long health battle. Picture in 2019
Bennett praised his wife for her uplifting influence on him in his 2016 book Just Getting Started.
She wrote, ‘Susan Benedetto showed me how love gives you the confidence and courage to be your best self and the inner peace and contentment that comes with them’.
Bennett’s rep confirmed the performer’s death in a statement to the outlet on Friday.
‘Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, passed away earlier today in New York City at the age of 96,’ the statement read.
It continued, ‘The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, is survived by his wife Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Day Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and 9 grandchildren.’
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