Few musicians have left a larger legacy than Tony Bennett. The jazz vocalist has over 70 years of experience in the entertainment industry and has shared the stage with giants such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Age has taken its toll. Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2021 and is receiving the greatest treatment.
Despite this, Tony’s love of music has not faded. Lady Gaga’s “two final performances” claims have already been confirmed. Simply said, we’d like to see him perform one last time. Susan Benedetto, Tony Bennett’s wife, claims her husband is unaware of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
In an interview with 60 Minutes’ Anderson Cooper in the United States, Benedetto disclosed that the family is lucky in many ways, but the singer’s condition has deteriorated.
“He recognizes me, thank heavens, his children, you know we are lucky in many ways,” Susan explained.
“He’s nice.”
“He doesn’t realize he has it,” she stated of his Alzheimer’s.
Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in February.
The 95-year-old musical superstar performed one last time on stage in August, with frequent collaborator Lady Gaga, at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.
Bennett struggled to understand the dialogue during filming for 60 Minutes, but Anderson was taken aback when Bennet began to rehearse.
Bennett sang flawlessly without needing sheet music, remembering every word and note.
Dr. Gaytari Devi, who diagnosed Bennett in 2017, told People that the singer “understands he’s Tony Bennett and knows how to behave like Tony Bennett.”
“That’s a part of the brain that’s just so… intrinsically hardwired,” she said.
“It’s also a section of his brain that gives them genuine meaning and purpose in his life, and it’s infused with emotion.”
Devi stated that music is located in the emotional part of the brain, and when persons with Alzheimer’s sing or perform, they can be readily moved.
Bennett’s narrative is “not a sad one,” according to Lady Gaga.
“It’s emotional. It’s difficult to see someone change. What’s been beautiful and frustrating about this is seeing how it impacts him in some ways while not affecting his abilities.”
“Seeing Bennett rehearse was one of the most incredible things I’d encountered on a shoot,” Anderson remarked.
“Someone who couldn’t communicate one second, then music taps into that section of the brain, and the songs gushed out.”
