Elton John, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., and other celebrities reacted to the news on Friday that legendary crooner Tony Bennett had died at the age of 96.
The tributes started piling up after Bennett’s publicist confirmed his death to The Associated Press. Bennett’s cause of death has yet to be released, but it comes after the singer was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. His family did not reveal his diagnosis until 2021. His final performance was at Radio City Music Hall with singer Lady Gaga in 2021.
“So sad to hear of Tony’s passing,” John captioned his post on Instagram with a photo of the two together at an event.
View this post on Instagram
“Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see,” he added. “He’s irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.”
Singer Michael Bublé wrote, “Tony Bennett is one of the greatest vocalists, storytellers and interpreters of all time. To say he was an important part of who I became is an understatement. My grandpa was constantly playing Tony Bennett records when I was growing up, and it was the honor of a lifetime to learn from him.”
“Having my hero take me under his wing was one of the greatest moments of my life and my career,” he added. “How did I get so lucky to kneel at the feet of the master for 2 decades? Tony, I’ll never stop learning from you, and I promise you I’ll do my best to keep the music we cherish alive. Rest in peace.”
Radio City Music Hall posted a touching message on Instagram that read, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of music icon Tony Bennett. Thank you for all the history and memories you made with us.”
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Billy Joel tweeted a picture of the two performing on stage together. The post read, “Tony Bennett was the 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.”
Tony Bennett was the 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. pic.twitter.com/IsopRo8jQ8
— Billy Joel (@billyjoel) July 21, 2023
Comedian Rob Schneider wrote, “Smile if you had a life like Tony Bennett. He just kept getting better with age. Here he is at one of his last performances at age 94. His popularity was hit a new high while he was in his 60’s on MTV Unplugged. Heaven just got the best swooner ever!”
Smile if you had a life like Tony Bennett. He just kept getting better with age. Here he is at one of his last performances at age 94. His popularity was hit a new high while he was in his 60’s on MTV Unplugged.
Heaven just got the best swooner ever! pic.twitter.com/VQnQbEL7rq— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) July 21, 2023
Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson tweeted simply, “Thinkin’ of Tony Bennett.” His post included Bennett’s songs.
Thinkin' of Tony Bennett pic.twitter.com/SJbfy44xVt
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) July 21, 2023
Harry Connick Jr. shared a photo of him and Bennett and thanked the iconic singer for being so kind to him.
rest in peace, tony… you changed the world with your voice… thank you for always being so kind to me… i love you and i'll miss you very much… @itstonybennett
photo credit: kevin mazur pic.twitter.com/56Q2TkNDzd
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) July 21, 2023
“Rest in peace, Tony… you changed the world with your voice… thank you for always being so kind to me… I love you and i’ll miss you very much…,” Connick Jr. wrote.
Tis w/ gr8 sadness, we say farewell to the late great Tony Bennett. He exemplified a person who was good as gold, sweet like sugar & a deeply feeling, empathic human being. I wish more had the stuff you were made of Tony. RIP 🙏 #power2performers pic.twitter.com/j0PrP5mi5I
— Fran Drescher (@frandrescher) July 21, 2023
The great Tony Bennett sings "Everybody Has The Blues." RIP, Tony. pic.twitter.com/lPhpTPy3kI
— David Letterman (@Letterman) July 21, 2023
RIP Tony Bennett, 96.
One of the greatest singers in music history. Incredible talent, wonderful man. pic.twitter.com/tdlGb0CPcH— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 21, 2023