Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga: The music duo's legendary collaboration

Bennett died Friday at the age of 96

The dynamic duo, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, shared a special bond and created a lifetime of cherished memories through their collaborations and love of music.

The famed American singer died Friday at the age of 96 in his hometown of New York City, his publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed to Fox News Digital.

As of now, there has been no specific cause of death announced, although Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016.

LEGENDARY SINGER TONY BENNETT DEAD AT 96

tony bennett and lady gaga the music duos legendary collaboration

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga released their first album together in 2014. ((Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Park MGM Las Vegas))

In addition to Bennett's friendship with Gaga, whose birth name is Stefani Germanotta, the "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" crooner was very close with her family. 

Her father, Joe Germanotta, emotionally shared a few kind words with Fox News Digital about Bennett's death. 

tony bennett and lady gaga the music duos legendary collaboration

Legendary musician Tony Bennett shared a special friendship with pop star Lady Gaga ahead of his death. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

"I’m upset. Yes, we were [close with him]. All I can say is, it was an honor to meet with him and spend time with him. That's all I can say right now. I'm a little choked up."

TONY BENNETT: HIS LIFE IN PHOTOS

Bennett gained his first pop success in the early 1950s. He enjoyed a career revival in the 1990s and became popular with younger audiences in part because of an appearance on "MTV Unplugged." He continued recording and touring constantly, and his 2014 collaboration with Lady Gaga, "Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

After Bennett and Gaga released their first album together in 2014, the pair toured together that year and the next. Gaga clearly adored Bennett, and he felt the same. They would collaborate frequently over the years.

tony bennett and lady gaga the music duos legendary collaboration

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga perform live at Radio City Music Hall on Aug. 5, 2021 in New York City for "One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga." (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for LN)

Before Bennett's death, the legendary musician and Gaga shared the stage one last time at his sold-out concert at Radio City Music Hall in August 2021. It was also Bennett's 95th birthday. 

The event was titled "One Last Time: An Event with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga" and aired on Nov. 28 of that year. Fans and critics alike were moved by his performance, and it was noted that despite his battle with Alzheimer's, he was still able to command the stage with "hardly a stumble over a single lyric."

TONY BENNETT AND LADY GAGA RECORDED NEW ALBUM AS HE BATTLED ALZHEIMER’S

It was a remarkable send-off to an epic career. 

tony bennett and lady gaga the music duos legendary collaboration

The dynamic duo, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, shared a special bond and created a lifetime of cherished memories together through their love for music. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Park MGM Las Vegas)

Last April, Gaga was in tears after performing an emotional tribute to her pal.

The singer, who was introduced by the music icon during the Grammys in a pre-taped video, performed a rendition of "Do I Love You" and "Love for Sale."

After her heartfelt performance, which was paired with a video montage of the pair sharing the stage, the singer sat on the edge of the stage and cried.

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tony bennett and lady gaga the music duos legendary collaboration

Famed American singer Tony Bennett died Friday at the age of 96. (MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images)

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"I love you, Tony, I miss you," said the 37-year-old, who was met with a standing ovation from the audience.

Bennett and Gaga were nominated for five Grammys that year, including album of the year and traditional pop vocal album for "Love for Sale."

Throughout his career, he received 20 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Fox News Digital's Emily Trainham contributed to this report.

Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.

Authored by Stephanie Giang-Paunon via FoxNews July 21st 2023