Tony Bennett just shared that he has been living with a disease for years, but he didn’t want anyone to know. Tony has been struggling with Alzheimer’s. He was officially diagnosed four years ago, and finally told the AARP magazine about his struggles in a recent interview. Thankfully, the legendary singer’s spirits seem to be high even though he is facing a terrible battle. He just posted on Twitter:
“Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s. Thank you to [his wife] Susan and my family for their support, and AARP the Magazine for telling my story.”
He told the magazine that even though the diagnosis occurred four years ago, he didn’t start to feel any symptoms until about two years ago.
His wife Susan also talked about struggling with the disease:
“There’s a lot about him that I miss. Because he’s not the old Tony anymore … But when he sings, he’s the old Tony.”
Tony’s doctor, Dr. Gayatri Devi, has shared positive news about his health at the age of 94:
“He is doing so many things, at 94, that many people without dementia cannot do, He really is the symbol of hope for someone with a cognitive disorder.”
Tony still has singing sessions twice a week, which doctors believe are helping his brain stay sharp.
The AARP writer shed some light on Tony’s condition during the interview:
“His expression had a masklike impassivity that changed only slightly to dim awareness when Susan placed a hand on his shoulder.”
Please stay strong, Tony. Your fans are all rooting for you!