The legendary singer Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96. 

Bennett's passing has been confirmed to People magazine by Bennett's representative.

"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 unnamed representative said.

His success speaks for itself

Bennett's singing career - an international career - spanned some seven decades. During that time, he record 60 albums and was awarded 20 Grammys.

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

Bennett, in addition to his solo performances, was also well-known for the numerous collaborations that he did with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Lady Gaga.

He carried on despite Alzheimer's

It was in 2016 that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which, according to the National Institute on Aging, "is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks."

Despite this, Bennett, according to his wife, continued doing the things that he loved to do.

Two years ago, she said, "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."

He did what he loved

According to Bennett's family, the singer was still singing right up until he died.

The family, in a message posted to Bennett's Facebook account, 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.

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.

The family, in a message posted to Bennett's Instagram account, called upon fans, despite Bennett's passing, to "find joy in Tony's legacy."

They wrote:

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.