In December of 2016, Bennett celebrated his 90th birthday with Tony Bennett Celebrates 90, which was both a album and a companion piece to an NBC special of the same name (via All Music). The work celebrated the singer's long career and love of music. But that same year, the Bennett family was privately struggling with some sad news. As revealed in a just-released profile of the singer by AARP magazine, Tony Bennett has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Bennett, 94, remains active. He works out five times a week and sings twice a week, his wife, Susan Benedetto, told Gayle King in an interview with CBS This Morning. Benedetto explained to King why they decided to come out with the news now. "He always likes to say he's in the business of making people feel good," Benedetto said. "And so he never wanted the audience to know if he had a problem. But, obviously, you know, as long, you know, as things have progressed, it becomes more and more obvious when you interact with Tony that there's something up. And so it just seemed like now was the right time." She also revealed in the interview that he still recognizes her and his family.
As reported by AARP, Dr. Gayatri Devi, the neurologist who diagnosed Bennett, said, "He is doing so many things, at 94, that many people without dementia cannot do. He really is the symbol of hope for someone with a cognitive disorder."
This morning, Tony Bennet's Twitter shared simply, "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."
