’s loved ones have reflected on his death in a poignant interview, shedding light on his final words.
in last month at the age of 96, with his rep confirming the news.
His wife, Susan Benedetto, and their son, Danny Bennett, in a heartfelt post on Instagram.
In a new appearance on the Today show, they opened up about their loss to Hoda Kotb, reflecting on the Rags to Riches star’s last days.
Danny told her host: ‘His last words to me [were], “Thank you.” Can’t say it better than that.’
Susan revealed his final sentiments to her, continuing: ‘That he loved me. He would wake up every day and still say that. He woke up happy every day.
‘He’s like, “Susan, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”‘
She also revealed that he was still singing until the week before his death, with Because of You being his final track.
‘It bookends his career – musically speaking,’ she recalled. ‘That was his first hit and then literally the last song he sang. The music never left him.
‘He didn’t want to be remembered as the best, he just really wanted to be remembered as a nice person.
‘The outpouring of love from people we know and love, and complete strangers, has proven that. People feel like they lost a family friend.’
Tony’s publicist confirmed the sad news of his death last month, with the announcement falling just days before his 97th birthday.
‘The beloved singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett and nine grandchildren,’ she said in a statement.
‘In later life, when Tony Bennett was asked in interviews how he wanted to be remembered he would often say, “As a nice person”.’
His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.
from around Hollywood, with Sir Elton John and Will Smith among those speaking out.
in a lengthy Instagram post, penning: ‘I will miss my friend forever. I will miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage together.
‘With Tony, I got to live my life in a time warp. Tony and I had this magical power.
‘We transported ourselves to another era, modernized the music together, and gave it all new life as a singing duo. But it wasn’t an act.
‘I’ve been grieving the loss of Tony for a long time. We had a very long and powerful goodbye.
‘Though there were five decades between us, he was my friend. My real true friend.’
