Tony Bennett’s Family Reveals His Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis

The family of legendary crooner Tony Bennett, who turned 94 in August, has announced that he is battling Alzheimer’s Disease, having first been diagnosed in 2016.

Tony Bennett — A Health Update

In a touching story published in AARP Magazine, Bennett’s wife Susan and son Danny talk about how Bennett endures increasingly rarer moments of clarity and awareness, though he continues to sing.

In fact, Bennett has once again teamed with Lady Gaga to create a new record, working with her while dealing with the impact of Alzheimer’s. The magazine noted the songs were recorded between 2018 and 2020, and she knew what he was going through. A documentary of the sessions shows how Bennett had little to say and those who know him best will see what the disease has done to him.

Susan and Danny detail how before going on stage, Bennett is often “mystified about his whereabouts,” but once hearing the announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen—Tony Bennett!” he would seem to settle into performance mode, smiling and acknowledging the audience’s applause.

On the singer’s Twitter account, Bennett made reference to the story. “Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s,” the tweet reads. “Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story.”

Bennett started singing professionally in 1945 and rose to fame quickly, with best-selling albums such as “The Beat of My Heart” and “Basie Swings, Bennett Sings.” But it was in 1962 when the singer became something of a household name with the release of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” considered to this day as one of the best tunes of all-time.

Over his career, he has been beloved by generations of all ages. Bennett has sung with singers like the late Amy Winehouse, Faith Hill, Barbra Streisand, and Billy Joel, and has performed countless gigs—his last just before the pandemic hit. Entertainment Hub wishes Bennett and his family the best.