for the 90 minutes or so they were
performing,” Benedetto says. “Tony
was never one to advertise his
problems because he felt it was his
job to help people forget theirs.”
WITHOUT A SONG
Th e COVID-19 pandemic brought
Bennett’s late-career victory lap to a
halt. He continued rehearsing every
night at their home in New York City,
but Benedetto admits “not having
that stimulation of performing
and being around the public was
detrimental for him.”
In February 2021, Bennett publicly
shared that he was living with
Alzheimer’s in an interview with AARP
Th e Magazine. Shortly after the news
was announced, Bennett, a charismatic
optimist, tweeted “Life is a gift — even
with Alzheimer’s.” Th e response from
the entertainment industry and public
was emphatically and overwhelmingly
supportive.
“People will come up to him now
and thank him for being so open
and showing people that there is still
life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis,”
Benedetto says. “I think he’s such a great
example of someone who is living well
with the disease. He gives people hope.”
WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO
In August, Bennett and Lady Gaga
teamed up for two sold-out shows at
Radio City Music Hall in New York
City in celebration of Bennett’s 95th
birthday. Th e duo didn’t stop there —
in October, Bennett and Lady Gaga
released what is billed as Bennett’s
fi nal studio album, “Love for Sale.” A
tribute to composer Cole Porter, the
collection of standards is the second
album Bennett has recorded with Lady
Gaga. Upon its release, Bennett earned
the Guinness World Records title for
the oldest artist to release an album
of new material.
As the disease progresses, music has
a renewed importance in Bennett’s
life. “It’s absolutely something that we
still share and love and can connect
through,” Benedetto says. “We listen to
albums together all the time at home.
Occasionally, a song will remind him of
a story from earlier in his life, which is
amazing. Th e way singing and dancing
continue to capture him — he can’t
help but gravitate toward it.”As it has for over seven decades,
Bennett’s voice — brave and baritone
— is helping people fi nd joy amidst
life’s hardships.“Sharing a diagnosis on such a
public platform takes courage and
compassion,” says Harry Johns,
Alzheimer’s Association CEO. “It is
through sharing our stories that we
are able to break through the stigma
related to this disease. Tony is leading
the way.”WINTER 2021
MTV Unplugged:
Tony Bennett & Lady GagaAiring on MTV and streamingE A R LY 2022
The Lady and The Legend
A documentary chronicling the
decadelong friendship between
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.Streaming on Paramount+Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto.
Photo credit: Kelsey Bennett.THE BEST IS
YET TO COME
NOVEMBER 28
One Last Time: An Evening
With Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett
A prime-time special fi lmed during
their Radio City Music Hall concerts.8 p.m. ET on CBS;
streaming on Paramount+Photo credit: Mark SeligerPaid Partner Content Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Special Issue| ALZ• 7