The decision for Tony Bennett to retire came following his two August 2021 sold-out performances at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga, titled “One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga” — one of which was held to celebrate Bennett’s 95th birthday.
The decision to end live performances by the golden-voiced singer was not due to any issue with his voice.
The 95-year-old crooner officially retired due to issues relating to his age and his health — and his Alzheimer’s.
Bennett’s family revealed in February 2021 that Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. Many didn’t believe it.
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The singer’s son, Danny Bennett, 66, confirmed to Variety on August 13 that Bennett is still a “capable performer.” But the decision to cancel the remaining tour dates was made by his doctors.
It was the traveling that prompted the decision, the younger Bennett said. “Look, he gets tired. The decision is being made that doing concerts now is just too much for him. We don’t want him to fall on stage, for instance — something as simple as that.”
In answer to those who insisted there was no way Tony Bennett had Alzheimer’s, his son Danny explained simply, “My answer is that this is where he has lived his whole life and where he is most happy — on the stage, making music.
Dealing as we have with Alzheimer’s for the last four-five years, it’s cognitive. He has short-term memory loss. That, however, does not mean that he doesn’t still have all this stored up inside of him. He doesn’t use a Teleprompter. He never misses a line.“
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Totally taken back by this news. Saw you years ago in the Boston area… always a great performer… wish you and your well health….. ♥️🙏♥️