Tony Bennett Was Married to Wife Susan Crow Before His Death

Tony Bennett sang about the overwhelming joy of being in love in his hit songs “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “The Way You Look Tonight,” but the music icon lived a real-life love story with his wife, Susan Benedetto (neé Crow). The couple were married up until his death on July 21, 2023.

“Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens, on August 3rd, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today,” his rep said in a statement. “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 nine grandchildren.”

Tony’s relationship with the philanthropist began more than four decades ago in the 1980s. Growing up in San Francisco, Susan became a huge fan of Tony’s music. After being named the president of his fan club in the Bay Area, Susan met the star backstage after one of his shows.

Though Susan was only 19 and nearly 40 years Tony’s junior, sparks flew when she paid a visit to the “Shadow of Your Smile” crooner’s show. “I not only agreed to say hello to her backstage but asked her to be my date for the evening,” Tony recalled in his 2016 book Just Getting Started. “That’s how it all really began.”

Following their encounter, Tony — who revealed his battle with Alzheimer’s disease in January 2021 — was completely smitten with the former teacher. However, Tony and Susan were in no rush to tie the knot, and they dated for nearly 20 years before marrying in 2007. At the time, Tony’s rep told People they “married in a private, intimate ceremony” in New York City.

After walking down the aisle, Tony and Susan lived a life of bliss. Not only did they attend multiple Hollywood events together over the years, but the “Lady Is a Tramp” artist loved gushing over their romance on social media. In September 2020, Tony paid tribute to his wife’s birthday by sharing a sweet post via Instagram.

“She makes my life better in every way, and I owe so much to her,” the Grammy Hall of Famer wrote in the caption. “Susan inspired the lyrics I wrote for ‘All For You,’ and I once again dedicate this song to her today.”

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about Tony’s third wife, Susan.

Susan’s Career Has Evolved Many Times

After teaching for some time, Susan and Tony created the nonprofit organization Exploring The Arts (ETA) in 1999, which helps provide opportunities to study the arts in public schools. According to Heavy, Susan is currently the Board President of ETA, and with the help of their organization, she assists 17 schools throughout NYC and Los Angeles.

Susan also launched the Creative Artists Management company, as well as worked as an administrative assistant for Merrill Lynch, before she pursued a career in education. Nowadays, she spends her time as a philanthropist.

Susan Can Thank Her Parents for Meeting Tony

Long before Susan and Tony crossed paths in the singer’s backstage dressing room, the pair actually already met. In his 2016 book, Tony recalled how he was introduced to Susan’s pregnant mother and father during a meet and greet in 1966.

“As fate would have it, [Susan’s mother, Marion] was pregnant at the time with … Susan!” he wrote. “It’s a photo we all laugh about, knowing the incredible turn of events that followed.”

Susan Is a Stepmom to Tony’s Kids

Susan and Tony didn’t have any children together, but the singer was the dad of four kids from his previous marriages. This makes Susan the stepmom of his talented children.

The music icon shared his eldest sons, Danny Bennett and Dae Bennett, with his first wife, Patricia Beech — whom he was married to from 1952 to 1971. Tony was also the dad of his daughters, Joanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, with his second spouse, Sandra Grant Bennett. The former pair married in 1971 and officially separated in 1979, but their divorce wasn’t finalized until 2007.

She Stuck By Tony’s Side During His Health Battle

Tony’s family opened up about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a February 2021 interview with AARP. The legendary performer was joined by Susan and his eldest son, Danny, as they spoke about how the disease has changed Tony’s life and forced him to take a step back from the spotlight.

“I have my moments, and it gets very difficult … But I feel badly talking about it because we are so much more fortunate than so many people with this diagnosis. We have such a good team,” Susan said. “Danny handles Tony’s business affairs.”

After sharing the news with the world, Susan further spoke about Tony’s health battle on an October 2021 episode of 60 Minutes. The philanthropist said that her husband is unaware that he has Alzheimer’s, however, she is grateful for the moments they get to share together.

“He recognizes me, thank goodness, his children, you know, we are blessed in a lot of ways. He’s very sweet. He doesn’t know he has it,” she said.