Tony Bennett’s Wife Susan Crow Was His Biggest Supporter: Meet the Late Music Icon’s Spouse
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.