Tony Bennett has died aged 96, his publicist Sylvia Weiner has confirmed.
A cause of death currently hasn’t been shared, however the singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease back in 2016.
Tony’s health news became public in 2021, the same year he performed his final shows with Lady Gaga.
The duo released two albums together and headed out on tour before his retirement was announced by his son Danny Bennett.
At the time, he told fans his dad had to retire under doctors’ orders.
“There won’t be any additional concerts,” he said in a statement.
“This was a hard decision as he is a capable performer. This is, however, doctors’ orders.
“His continued health is the most important part of this.”
Tony was known for songs such as The Way You Look Tonight, Body and Soul and (I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.
His first big hit was Because of You back in 1951, which topped the US charts for 10 weeks.
As well as Lady Gaga, the american musician collaborated with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who called him “the best singer in the business”.
During his career, which spanned over second decades, he sold over 50 million records around the world and won 20 Grammys including a lifetime achievement award.
Tributes have flooded in for the late star on social media.
Actor George Takei wrote on Twitter: “The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96.
“He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook.
“He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony.”
Paul Young said Tony was “truly one of the greats”.
He added: “The first album I had was Tony Bennett sings 10 Rodgers and Hart songs, from when my record company in 1976 let me do a ‘bank raid’ of their vinyl stock and I was a fan from there on in.
“An incredible singer live, saw him many times.”
Eric Alper typed: “Deeply saddened by the passing of a true legend, Tony Bennett, at age 96.
“His timeless voice and incredible talent have left an indelible mark on the music world. Rest in peace, and thank you for the beautiful memories.”
Tony is survived by his wife Susan, sons Danny and Dae, his daughters Johanna and Antonia Bennett and nine grandchildren.
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