Tributes are pouring in following the death of legendary singer Tony Bennett at 96.
Rocker Ozzy Osbourne remembered the late star on his Twitter page.
“Very sad to hear about Tony Bennett’s passing. Rest in Peace,” the “Prince of Darkness” wrote.
Very sad to hear about Tony Bennett’s passing. Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/Q0OTK5OJfC
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 21, 2023
Civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson honored Bennett for his contribution to the movement against racial segregation in the 1960s.
“Sending my prayers for and condolences to the family of [Tony Bennett] whose legendary career spanned seven decades,” he wrote on Twitter.
Jackson added, “He marched with us in 1964. He was dedicated to civil and human rights and to the arts. He will live as long as we remember him.”
Sending my prayers for and condolences to the family of #TonyBennett whose legendary career spanned seven decades. He marched with us in 1964. He was dedicated to civil and human rights and to the arts. He will live as long as we remember him. #IleftmyheartinSanFrancisco 🙏🏽🎹🎤🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Hnwb9yMxzE
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) July 21, 2023
Singer Billy Joel deemed Bennett as “one of the most important interpreters of American popular song during the mid to late 20th century.”
“He championed songwriters who might otherwise have remained unknown to many millions of music fans,” he noted.
Nancy Sinatra, the daughter of the late singer Frank Sinatra, who was friends with Bennett, also paid tribute to him.
“Tony was one of the most splendid people who ever lived. Kind, loving, talented and generous, he never let us down,” she wrote.
Tony was one of the most splendid people who ever lived. Kind, loving, talented and generous, he never let us down.
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) July 21, 2023
Sending my love to Susan, Danny and their family and friends. Tony was a true champion.💙#TonyBennett pic.twitter.com/aLWnj0VOlF
She proceeded to send her love to Bennett’s friends and family.
“Tony was a true champion,” she concluded.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani referred to Bennett as “an American icon who embodied the timeless spirit of New York City.”
“In the era of the crooner, he had the greatest voice. May God rest Tony’s soul and bring comfort to his family and friends,” he concluded.
Join me as we honor Tony Bennett, an American icon who embodied the timeless spirit of New York City.
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) July 21, 2023
Growing up in Astoria, Queens, Tony remained true to his roots, serving as an ambassador for New York City while sharing his incomparable voice with the world.
It was an honor… pic.twitter.com/qZj5Fhe8E5
On Friday, Bennett’s representative confirmed the news of his passing in a statement to People.
“Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens, on Aug. 3, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,” his rep said.
His representative continued, “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.”
