Tony Bennett & His Family Reveal Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

In a recent article by AARP it has been revealed that Tony Bennett has been battling with Alzheimer’s disease for the past four years.

Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to Susan and my family for their support, and @AARP The Magazine for telling my story.

Read more here:https://t.co/R05A4jc5BF⁰

📸 Kelsey Bennett pic.twitter.com/ApxBCpGv0y

— Tony Bennett (@itstonybennett) February 1, 2021

While his Alzheimer’s hasn’t progressed to detrimental stages, his wife Susan says he can still recognize family members, but is not always sure where he is or what is happening around him.

However through it all he has still be able to continue singing and writing. In fact him and Lady Gaga, his protégé, have been working on an album. After the duo recorded Cheek to Cheek in 2014, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 pop and rock chart, they started discussing a follow up. However, despite the songs being recorded in sessions between 2018 and 2020, delays including Gaga’s starring role in A Star is Born set the album back. Now that the COVID pandemic has slowed life down, the pair has finally been able to work on the album which is set to release this spring.

He and Gaga started recording the new LP 2 years after his diagnosis, and he was already starting to show signs. His wife Susan recalled telling their son Danny, “We’ll try.That’s all I can tell you. We’ll try.” In footage AARP describes Bennett during the recording sessions with him and Gaga as bewildered and lost.

Through music the singer has been able to reconnect and show parts of his old self. in the interview Susan stated, “There’s a lot about him that I miss because he’s not the old Tony anymore. But when he sings, he’s the old Tony.”

Many fans and friends after hearing the news expressed their love and support for the singer and his family.

One of the things my silly career has done for me is that I got to know some of my fave artists on a first name basis. I still can’t believe that I used to run into Tony Bennett and we’d chat. He was always so kind and gracious and human. Way more than you’d expect a legend to be

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) February 1, 2021

This is inspiring and heartbreaking.
It’s a gift to the world when a person like Tony Bennett and his family talk about living with Alzheimer’s. https://t.co/eBsguqFfen

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 1, 2021

Anyone reading the piece will recognize that Tony’s wonderful wife, Susan, and his children, including the amazing Danny, are major heroes, along with Tony himself. ALZ is a family affair. https://t.co/S2x5hw8Gnl

— John Colapinto (@JohnColapinto) February 1, 2021

Life certainly is a gift; we feel this in our own family as John’s father lives with Alzheimer’s as well. We hope that @itstonybennett sharing his struggle and outlook will comfort those going through it. We hope there are more good days than bad. Sending love to Tony and Susan https://t.co/45ztdRuQAe

— rachael ray (@rachaelray) February 1, 2021

I've said it before I'll say it again

Tony Bennett > Frank Sinatra

I left my heart… ❤️❤️❤️

— Erin Brockovich (@ErinBrockovich) February 1, 2021

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett have made a new album together, recorded through Tony's battle with Alzheimer's. This passage broke my heart. https://t.co/zynDHLH743 pic.twitter.com/P7eo5BUtss

— Joey Nolfi (@joeynolfi) February 1, 2021

If I could sing a duet with anyone, the answer is still Tony Bennett. https://t.co/lOnAmmXSd4

— Mark JP Hood (@MarkJPHood) February 1, 2021

I once saw @ladygaga perform w Tony Bennett at the Hollywood Bowl.
Her generosity w him is something I'll never forget. Such kindness & graciousness. Will always love her for that.

PS – My mom has Alzheimers. It is a monster. https://t.co/taBHSFCpuj

— Billy Ray (@BillyRay5229) February 1, 2021

You are a light in the world, Tony. https://t.co/BNvinnLcwK

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) February 2, 2021

We wish Tony and his family all our love during this difficult time.

If you know someone with Alzheimer’s and are looking for support alz.org offer’s a support help line available 24/7, you can find it via the link below.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline