Loved ones of Tony Bennett shared messages of love and joy following the singer’s death on Friday, July 21.

Bennett’s wife said, “Thank you to all of Tony’s fans, friends and colleagues who celebrated his life and humanity and shared their love for him and his musical legacy.” Susan Benedetto (née Crowe), and their eldest son, Danny, wrote in a joint statement via Instagram As the tributes continued to come. “From his first performance as a singing waiter in Queens to his last at Radio City Music Hall in 2021, Tony continues to perform his favorite songs and cheer people on.”

The two shared a picture of the late musician (real name Anthony Dominic Benedetto) performing at Radio City Music Hall on his 95th birthday in August 2021. The statement concluded, “And as sad as today has been for all of us, we can always find joy in Tony’s legacy.”

The heartwarming message came hours after news of Bennett’s death broke. He was 96 years old.

Bennett’s publicist confirmed the news to The Associated Press, reporting that he died in New York. His cause of death was not revealed at the time, but Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.

“Tony dropped us off today, but he was still singing at his piano the other day and his last song was ‘Because of You’, his first #1 hit,” Bennett’s team wrote via social media on Friday. “Tony, your songs are forever in our hearts because of you. .”

The legendary jazz singer, who won over 18 Grammy Awards in a career spanning nearly seven decades, will turn 97 on August 3.

In addition to his wife, whom he married in 2007, Bennett is survived by his four children from his previous relationships.

Bennett first tied the knot in 1952, exchanging vows with an art student Patricia Beach, In the same year, he released his debut album, because of you, The former couple welcomed sons Danny and Dee in 1952 and 1955, respectively. Bennett and Beach separated in the 1960s, and their divorce was finalized in 1971.

“The Way You Look Tonight” Singer Moves On Sandra Grant, whom he married in 1971. The couple welcomed daughters Joanna and Antonia in 1970 and 1974 respectively. While Bennett and Grant separated in 1979, they were not legally divorced until 2007.

Bennett and Benedetto later said, “I do,” and their marriage lasted more than 15 years before his death.

The statement from Bennett’s family was one of many to mourn Bennett’s passing on Friday. The musician received immense love from fellow singers and other celebrity fans.

“Rest in peace, Tony. You were the epitome of a gentleman who had a unique God-given voice.” Carrie Underwood caption a slide show of pictures Her and Bennett’s over the years. “It was truly a great honor of my career and my life to share the stage with you…”

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Reba McEntire The late singer was also criticized through social media, Write, “I had the privilege of being around @itstonybennett twice in my career, both times at Christmas. He was a gentleman and a music icon and his voice will live on for years to come. Rest in peace, Tony.”