Sandra Grant Bennett, Tony Bennett's wife, opened up about the inner working of her marriage to the world-renowned musician. Here's a look into the couple's fascinating relationship.
Legendary musician Tony Bennett tragically passed away at 96 on Friday Morning. The incredible vocalist had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016 and is survived by his wife, Susan Benedetto, his children, Danny, Dae, Johanna, and Antonia Bennett, and his grandchildren. Despite his retirement from singing, Tony Bennett was still one of the most influential musicians in the entertainment industry until his death.
For generations, he serenaded the crowd and collaborated with renowned singers, including pop singer and actress Lady Gaga. Tony's romantic life over the years was as fascinating as his career. The legendary musician tied the knot three times, but his marriage with his second wife, Sandra Grant Bennett, was the most intriguing.
Sandra Bennett sighted on April 13, 1980, at Chasen's Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
WHO IS SANDRA GRANT BENNETT, TONY BENNETT'S SECOND WIFE?
Sandra is no stranger to the spotlight. She is an actress who shot to fame in the late 1960s thanks to her appearances in television dramas, including "Burke's Law," "A House Is Not a Home," and "The New Truth and Consequences."
The Louisiana-born actress met Tony for the first time while filming "The Oscar" in 1965. Their encounter occurred after the renowned crooner separated from his first wife, Patricia Beech.
Tony and Sandra dated for six years until he finalized his divorce from Patricia in 1971. Shortly after ending his first marriage, the "Body and Soul" singer tied the knot with Sandra in a private ceremony.
Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant Bennett were photographed together in the 1970s in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The marriage between Sandra and the music superstar started off happy, but in the years that followed, the couple's relationship started to deteriorate. Sadly, the couple reportedly separated in 1979.
When Tony and Sandra broke up, it was never made clear why they did so, and neither one of them ever formally divorced the other. After their relationship ended, Sandra relocated and resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the 1980s.
Tony Bennett and Sandra Grant Bennett arrive at the ABC Cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue, London, for the midnight premiere of "Lady Sings the Blues" on April 4, 1973. | Source: Getty Images
WHY DID TONY BENNETT AND SANDRA GRANT DIVORCE?
After being legally separated for more than two decades, Sandra and Tony divorced in 2007. Tony decided to divorce his second wife because he was going to marry Susan Crow, who would be his third and last wife.
In a Page Six interview, Sandra reportedly said she's thankful that their divorce papers are "finalized." Without Susan in the picture, she would not be able to go on with her own life and eventually let go of the bitter memories linked to her ex-husband.
Despite finding closure, Sandra revealed that Tony was not the "Mr. Nice Guy" the public believed him to be. According to her biography, Tony, whom she knew, suffered from substance abuse to the point that he nearly overdosed.
Sandra Grant Bennett and Tony Bennett in 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Sandra also stated that her late ex-husband had financial problems in addition to his addiction. She said Tony was no gentleman compared to her former boyfriend, baseball superstar Joe DiMaggio.
After DiMaggio ended his marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe in 1954, Sandra said she had an on-again, off-again relationship with the renowned sportsman for many years until she met the "New York State of Mind" singer.
Sandra Grant and Tony Bennett on March 10, 1968, at the Hilton Hotel. | Source: Getty Images
Sandra said she regretted marrying Tony and would have been happier if she had married DiMaggio. Sandra admitted that she married the wrong man, adding:
"I am very happy to be free at last, and good luck to his current wife. But maybe it's the opposite and I should wish him luck. There's no fool like an old fool. I have very little feeling for him anymore."
Tony Bennett and Susan Crow backstage at the 63rd sold-out show of Billy Joel's residency at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Following his divorce from Sandra, Tony finally married Susan. Their marriage had caused many people to raise an eyebrow because the Grammy winner was forty years older than his wife, a philanthropist whom he had met about four decades ago.
Tony previously said that performing shows away from home was why his first two marriages failed. On the other hand, Sandra seemed less interested in remarrying, describing the concept as "silly."
SANDRA GRANT HAS TWO DAUGHTERS WITH HER LATE EX-HUSBAND TONY BENNETT: GET TO KNOW JOANNA AND ANTONIA
Sandra and Tony share two daughters: Joanna and Antonia. Joanna was born in 1970 and had been at her father's side throughout his career. She used to accompany him to countless red carpet events.
Tony had two other sons from his previous marriage to Patricia, Danny and Dae.
Antonia, the former couple's youngest daughter, was born in 1974 and has followed in her dad's footsteps in music. She became a successful alternative and jazz singer after studying at the Berklee College of Music.
Tony Bennett and daughter Antonia Bennett arrive at the 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year Tribute To Neil Young at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 29, 2010, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Like her mother, Antonia pursued a career in acting. She has several film credits to her name, including "Always Here for You" (2011), "Dysfunctional Book Club" (2007), and "Changeling" (2008).
Tony had two other sons from his previous marriage to Patricia, Danny and Dae. Danny, born in 1954, is a respected film producer who worked as his father's manager for almost 40 years.
Tony Bennett and daughter Johanna Bennett attend the closing night awards during the 2013 First Time Fest at The Players Club on March 4, 2013, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
When Danny's father retired from performing due to Alzheimer's disease, Danny had seen his dad's tremendous showmanship and years of success on stage.
Tony's last live performance was in 2021, with pop singer Lady Gaga. He and the "Shallows" singer even created an album together titled "Cheek to Cheek."
Meanwhile, Dae was born in 1955. He is a drummer, music producer, and audio editor. In his late 20s, he established his first professional studio, Hillside Sound. In 2001, he opened Bennett Studios until it closed down in 2011.
Danny Bennett, Antonia Bennet, Tony Bennett, Dae Bennett, and Joanna Bennett attend "Tony Bennett Celebrates 90: The Best Is Yet To Come" at Radio City Music Hall on September 15, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Dae now works as a freelance producer and audio engineer. Dae's career accolades include an Emmy and seven Grammy Awards— much like his elder brother, who earned several awards in the past.
Only Antonia and Danny are in serious relationships with their respective partners. While Antonia has been married to Ronan Helman since 2013, Danny is dating his longtime girlfriend, Hadley Spanier, with whom he has a child.
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