Tony Bennett’s widow Susan Benedetto says she ‘was most certainly blessed to have’ singer in her life following his death at 96

Tony Bennett’s widow Susan Benedetto is opening up about memories of her late spouse, two days after his passing at 96.

‘Benedetto, his family name, which I made my own when we married, means “the blessed one,”‘ Susan, 56, told People Sunday. ‘And I was most certainly blessed to have Tony in my life.’

Benedetto, who was born Susan Crow, tied the knot with the singer on June 21, 2007, and was his primary caregiver in his seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She shared an image of the beloved Rags to Riches singer with the publication that was snapped during their Florence, Italy honeymoon.

Benedetto said the Manhattan-born entertainer ‘naturally, loved visiting his ancestral homeland, and we spent many summers in Italy over the years, and it was always a special time for us to be together, just the two of us.’

Benedetto described the activities which the I Left My Heart In San Francisco performer relished in during their getaways to Italy.

‘Tony would paint all day, and then we would eat pasta, which was his favorite meal,’ Benedetto said. ‘Everyone knows Tony had heart, but he also was a wonderful soul.’

Benedetto spoke out for the first time since she issued a joint statement with Bennett’s son Danny Bennett following Friday’s death of the entertainer, who would have turned 97 August 3. 

In the statement, they had sent their gratitude to ‘all the fans, friends and colleagues of Tony’s who celebrated his life and humanity and shared their love of him and his musical legacy.’

They looked back on the singer’s long career and the enthusiasm he maintained over the years.

‘From his first performances as a singing waiter in Queens to his last performances in 2021 at Radio City Music Hall, Tony delighted in performing the songs he loved and making people happy,’ they said. ‘And as sad as today has been for all of us we can find joy in Tony’s legacy forever.’

Bennett and Benedetto initially crossed each other’s paths following one of the singer’s shows. They spent two decades with one another prior to their nuptials.

Bennett was previously wed twice before he tied the knot with Benedetto, a one-time teacher. He was wed to Patricia Beech from 1952 until their 1965 separation, with their divorce finalized in 1971. In 1971, he tied the knot with actress Sandra Grant, and they parted ways in 1983.

Benedetto, who was born Susan Crow, tied the knot with the singer on June 21, 2007. They were pictured in May of 2019 

Benedetto was the singer’s primary caregiver in his seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease

The legendary entertainer died at the age of 96 on Friday following a long-running health battle. Pictured in 2019 

Bennett in his 2016 book Just Getting Started praised his spouse for her uplifting impact on him.

‘Susan Benedetto has shown me how love gives you the confidence and courage to be your best self, and the inner peace and contentment that come with them,’ he wrote.

Bennett’s rep confirmed the performer’s passing in a statement to the outlet Friday.

‘Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,’ the statement read.

It 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 9 grandchildren.’