The well-known singer Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96, CBS News reports. 

A representative of Bennett confirmed the singer's death in a statement to People magazine.

The statement reads, "Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens on August 3, 1926, has passed away in his hometown of New York City at the age of 96 earlier today."

The statement goes on to note that Bennett's passing comes after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2016.

Remembering Bennett

Bennett enjoyed a successful international singing career that lasted some seven decades.

During Bennett's 70-year career, he recorded some 60 studio albums and managed to capture 20 Grammy Awards.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Bennett "sold in the neighborhood of 60 million records and charted albums in every decade from the 1950s to the 2020s."

On his official Facebook page, Bennett's family on Friday revealed that Bennett was still singing right up to his death. They wrote:

Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was, "Because of You," his first #1 hit. Tony, because of you we have your songs in our heart forever.

In addition to Bennett's solo performances, the singer is also well-known for his countless collaborations, from Aretha Franklin to Lady Gaga.

"We can find joy in Tony’s legacy"

Following the news of Bennett's passing, countless friends, fellow performers, and fans have taken to social media to offer tributes to Bennett.

Among them is Elton John, who wrote:

So sad to hear of Tony's passing. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He's irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.

Bennett is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his two sons, Danny and Dae Bennett, his daughters Johanna Bennett and Antonia Bennett, and his nine grandchildren.

Susan Benedetto and Danny Bennett, following the news of Bennett's passing, issued a statement to Bennett's fans via Bennett's Instagram account.

The statement reads:

Thank you to all the fans, friends, and colleagues of Tony’s who celebrated his life and humanity and shared their love of him and his musical legacy. From his first performances as a singing waiter in Queens to his last performances in 2021 at Radio City Music Hall, Tony delighted in performing the songs he loved and making people happy. And, as sad as today has been for all of us we can find joy in Tony’s legacy forever.