Thelate iconic vocalist Tony Bennettmarried his third wife, Susan Benedetto, in 2007.
While there was a 40-year-age difference between them, it wasn’t an obstacle for the couple.
“We don’t notice it much now,” Tony toldEntertainment Tonightin 2016.
“We’re compatible in all ways.”
Romance bloomed for the pair, and they started seeing each other soon after.
In 1999, the couple partnered to createExploring the Arts, a nonprofit that promotes arts education.
Susan then went on to teach social studies at the school and serve as Assistant Principal.
“I’ve been humbled by the level of devotion,” Dr. Devi observed.
“[Susan] also expects a lot from him.
I think her background as a teacher helps, but she’s also very much in love with him.
And he rises to her expectations.”
For her part, Benedetto took Bennett’s diagnosis in stride.
“I signed up for better or for worse.
After Bennett retired in 2021, Benedetto also supported the singer by participating in interviews with him.
Gayatri Devi, M.D., Bennett’s neurologist, recommended he keep singing to benefit his brain health.
Bennett’s singing also helped Susan Benedetto cope as a caregiver.
“There’s a lot about him that I miss,” she explained to AARP in 2021.
“But when he sings, he’s the old Tony.”
Both Benedetto and Gaga were mutually grateful for each other’s support while Bennett continued singing.
When Bennett and Gaga’s special debuted on TV, Gaga posted a tribute to Benedetto.
“The real ‘Lady’ of the hour is Susan Benedetto, Tony’s remarkable wife.
Thank you, Susan, for how you love @itstonybennett,” she wrote onInstagram.
“I love you and Tony and the whole family so much.”
Benedetto and Gaga also shared common ground in their caregiving for Tony during his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Gaga helped by encouraging Bennett throughout the process.
“[Gaga] watches his back all the time,” Bennett’s son Danny told AARP.
