The music world mourns the loss of an iconic American singer, Anthony Dominick Benedetto, better known as Tony Bennett. On July 21, 2023, the legendary performer passed away at the age of 96 in New York, just two weeks shy of his 97th birthday. Tony Bennett’s voice had enchanted millions, and his extraordinary career spanned over several decades, earning him 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades.
As the news of Bennett’s death spread, tributes poured in from all corners of the globe, celebrating the impact he made on music and the hearts of his fans. Fans also want to know about his personal life. In this article, we’ll talk about his wife, their life together, their kids, and his previous relationships.
A Lasting Love Story: Tony Bennett And Susan Benedetto
Tony Bennett‘s illustrious career was not only defined by his music but also by his enduring love for Susan Benedetto, his wife of 16 years. Their story began in the late 1980s, when Susan, a devoted fan of Bennett’s, served as the president of his fan club in the San Francisco area. At age 19, she finally had the opportunity to meet her musical idol backstage after one of his shows. This meeting proved to be the catalyst for a decades-long romance.
In 1999, Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto founded Exploring the Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting arts education. This joint pursuit allowed Susan to work side by side with her husband, a dream come true for her. The organization’s mission was to transform the lives of young people through arts education, and they achieved this by partnering with more than 50 schools in New York and Los Angeles.
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How Did Tony Bennett And Susan Benedetto Get Married?
After being together for over 20 years, Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto decided to take their commitment to the next level and tied the knot in a private civil ceremony in New York City on June 21, 2007. Their decision to marry was spontaneous, reflecting their deep connection and affection for each other. While they kept the wedding small, the love and romance in the air were abundant. Following their marriage, Susan opted to take her husband’s legal surname, Benedetto, instead of his professional stage name, Bennett, a testament to their profound bond.
Tony And Susan Co-Founded The Frank Sinatra School
In addition to their charitable work through Exploring the Arts, Tony and Susan co-founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in 2001. Located in Tony’s hometown of Queens, New York, the public high school was dedicated to teaching the performing arts, a cause close to the hearts of both Tony and Susan. The school was named after the late singer Frank Sinatra, who was a friend and inspiration to Tony Bennett. For their significant contributions to arts education, the couple received the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award in 2010.
In February 2021, Tony Bennett’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease became public knowledge. Diagnosed in 2016, the disease had slowly progressed, leading to challenges in Tony’s daily life. Susan Benedetto stepped in as his primary caregiver, providing love, support, and understanding. Despite the difficulties, Susan described her husband’s resilience and determination, stating that Tony, even at 94, accomplished feats that many without dementia couldn’t. She expressed gratitude for the strong support system they had in place, which included Tony’s son, Danny, managing his business affairs, and exceptional medical care.
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Know About Tony Bennett’s Kids
In addition to Susan, Tony Bennett is survived by four children from his previous marriages. He had two sons, D’Andrea ‘Danny’ Bennett and Daegal ‘Dae’ Bennett, with his first wife, Patricia Beech, whom he married in 1952. Following their separation in 1965, Tony’s second marriage to Sandra Grant brought forth two daughters, Joanna and Antonia. The joy of being a father and a grandfather was one of Tony’s proudest achievements.
