Stars are honoring iconic crooner Tony Bennett, who died Friday at 96.
Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to USA TODAY, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.
After the news broke of his death, celebrities and collaborators took to social media to pay tribute to the singer.
Former President Barack Obama shared a tribute on Instagram.
“Tony Bennett was an iconic songwriter and entertainer who charmed generations of fans. He was also a good man—Michelle and I will always be honored that he performed at my inauguration,” he wrote. “We’re thinking of his wife Susan, his kids, and everyone who is missing him today.”
Tony Bennett:Legendary singer and master of the American songbook, dies at 96
Gayle King shared a trio of photos of herself with Bennett on Instagram, and said “this is what a legend looks like.. wife susan described @itstonybennett as a national treasure & she was right! what a gift he has left us all ..being in his presence always special .. thinking of the Bennett family today…”
“Star Trek” actor George Takei called Bennett “a master of the American songbook,” on Twitter.
“He was the last of his kind,” Tekei wrote. “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.”
No vocalist celebrated the American songbook more energetically or prolifically than the man born Anthony Dominick Benedetto. Influenced by the jazz and pop icons who preceded him — none more than Sinatra, but also Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Jimmy Durante — Bennett wielded his lush, gleaming tenor with a distinct freshness, and a sense of yearning that served him well in early hits such as “Rags to Riches” and his cover of “Stranger In Paradise” (both released in 1953) and his signature tune, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”
Actor Josh Gad celebrated Bennett’s full scope of life: “This one shouldn’t sting so much because any of us would take 96 years, but man is it hard to imagine a world without the great Tony Bennett.”
Yvette Nicole Brown wrote that “ninety-six is a long life but I still thought he’d live forever.”
Producer Nile Rodgers shared his condolences: “My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett’s family and friends. They’re also my emotional family and friends.”
“The Woman King” actress Viola Davis shared a video featuring various clips of Bennett on Instagram.
“Well….your journey was complete sir,” she wrote in the caption. “Your greatness was not just measured by your talent but your influence. Generations will be inspired by your work. The angels are rejoicing today by gaining a magnificent choir member. May flights of angels……”
Actress and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher took to Instagram to pay her respects.
“He exemplified a person who was good as gold, sweet like sugar & a deeply feeling, empathic human being,” she wrote. “I wish more had the stuff you were made of Tony.”
Carrie Underwood shared several photos on Twitter called Bennett “the epitome of a gentleman with a God given one-of-a-kind voice.” She continued, saying “it was truly a great honor of my career and of my life to get to share the stage with you…”
Stephen King added: “Sorry to hear Tony Bennett passed. He was a smoothie.”
And Brooke Shields took to Twitter to share images of herself with the late icon. “You will be forever missed, Tony,” she wrote. “Your legacy will live on forever, not just for your music, but for your painting and for your heart. I adore you. May you rest easy.”
Bette Middler called Bennett “The Singer’s Singer.” She said she is “thankful I was alive during his musical reign, to hear and treasure the music he made and the man himself. He will be sorely missed.”
Many considered Bennett the last of the great interpretive singers, but he continually begged to differ. He was a champion of other artists, old and new. He paired up with k.d. lang and Elvis Costello on the 1994 “MTV Unplugged” album, often heralded as his comeback. On his multi-platinum “Duets” albums, he collaborated with pop stars from Barbra Streisand and Paul McCartney to John Legend and Carrie Underwood.
Contributing: Elise Brisco, Elysa Gardner, Kristin McGrath
