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Tony Bennett’s Daughters Speak Out: Blocked From Seeing Dying Dad?!

BBG News

In more straightforward terms, Tony Bennett’s sad daughters claimed that they were unable to visit their dying father prior to his passing, expressing concerns about the quality of care he received, according to a heated new interview.

On the 21st of July, 2023, at the age of 96, the renowned musician passed away in his birthplace, New York City, seven years following his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

To DailyMail.com, Johanna (age 53) and Antonia Bennett (age 51) offered insights into their father’s last days and the challenging legal battles they continue to face with his complex stepfamily.

In a simpler and more conversational style:
DailyMail.com talked to Johanna (53) and Antonia Bennett (51), who shared details about their father’s final days and the tough legal struggles they’re going through against their complicated stepfamily.

‘In the end, we were unable to see him very much,’ Johanna revealed. 

At certain moments, I’d find myself joining him. He seemed to be in a perpetual state of trance-like calmness. He constantly dozed off. Yet, he consistently acknowledged both me and Antonia whenever we were around.

Perhaps he struggled to locate the name “Johanna,” but once he found it, his excitement would be palpable, and he might exclaim, “Ah, Johanna!

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The independent filmmaker detailed that the renowned singer often rehearsed his full 90-minute performance from the 2021 Radio City Hall concert with Lady Gaga as part of his therapeutic routine. However, towards the end, he started practicing it around three times a week instead.

Concerning his care, they assert that they weren’t completely informed about the details of the arrangements. Johanna expressed, “We weren’t entirely clear on the specifics of his care.” She added, “Our family situation is intricate and complex.

As the one who recently spent time with my father before his passing, I shared insights about his condition: ‘We could all sense that something wasn’t right. It was heartrending to witness him gradually diminish. The crucial part was accepting the reality of his diagnosis and understanding its implications.’

At certain instances, I found myself wondering, “Could it be that he’s angry?” or “Why does he behave this way?” However, once I grasped the situation, I was able to let go of some confusion and simply focus on being fully present with the individual.

The sisters have been coping simultaneously with their sorrow and a lengthy legal battle involving their stepsiblings, Daegal ‘Dae’ Bennett and D’Andrea ‘Danny’ Bennett (Tony’s manager), along with their stepmother Susan Crow, who wed Tony in 2007.

Tony was initially married to Danny (aged 71) and Dae (aged 68), his first spouse Patricia Beech. They parted ways in 1971, the same year he tied the knot with Sandra Grant, mother of Antonia and Johanna, who was 84 years old at the time. Their marriage ended in 1983. Later on, in 2007, the music legend wedded Susan, aged 58 at the time. They remained together until his demise.

In June 2024, Johanna and Antonia filed a lawsuit against Danny, alleging that he mismanaged their father’s assets, causing them to significantly decrease in value before his death. Danny’s legal team countered with a motion in February to either move the case to Surrogate Court or dismiss it altogether. According to court records, a judge has agreed to transfer the case as of April 29th.

In March 2025, another lawsuit was submitted, aiming to dismiss Danny from his position as head of the family trust, due to accusations that he violated his fiduciary responsibility.

In their recent submission, Johanna and Antonia claim that Danny repeatedly transferred assets from the Family Trust to himself on various occasions, even during a time when Tony was unable to make decisions for himself.

Danny repeatedly took out funds, which were disguised as loans, gifts, or commissions, either for himself, on behalf of his kids, or for their advantage, acting in his role as a trustee.

He also took out a $750,000 loan from the Family Trust to buy a home for him and his family. This loan was secured with a mortgage that he signed over to the Family Trust.

Additionally, according to the accusation, he reportedly borrowed $450,000 from the Family Trust in 2020, and as of the filing, this loan has yet to be repaid.

The document additionally asserts that Tony’s income from live shows alone throughout the last fifteen years of his busy career surpassed $100 million, and furthermore states that Tony and the Family Trust possess properties with a combined value over $12,000,000.

According to the court document, it was revealed that Tony’s wealth at the time of his death, which encompassed assets held in the Family Trust, had significantly decreased due to Danny’s questionable business dealings, transactions that violated his duties, and personal advantages he acquired by misusing his position.

The defendants have not answered the second legal action as of now, however, court documents indicate that Danny, Dae, and Susan were all formally notified.

Approaching the two-year mark since their father’s passing, Johanna and Antonia found it extremely challenging to adjust, missing shared meals at their father’s beloved NYC eateries and museum visits as a family.

Johanna mentioned, “He was a towering presence…and now that he’s gone, it’s quite an adaptation.” Antonia also shared, “One moment you feel like you’re managing okay, and the next, you’re not. The truth is, it’s still difficult for me to accept that he’s no longer here, even as I continue to experience days when it feels especially challenging.

However, despite the fact that Antonia has been able to find comfort in her late father’s piano, which she received according to his will, court documents suggest that she faced restrictions and was unable to obtain the piano for several months.

Back in October 2016, I was overjoyed when I learned that the will had been executed, with a stunning revelation for me and two others – Johanna, Antonia, and I were each to receive an astonishing $900,000! The thrill of it still sends shivers down my spine.

As a devoted admirer, let me share a cherished possession of mine – a piano once owned by him. This instrument holds a special place in my home, as it was the very same one gracing our household during my formative years. Interestingly enough, this unique piece was personally selected by Bill Evans, a renowned jazz pianist whose artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Every day, I find myself captivated as my nine-year-old daughter, Maya, learns the art of playing music. Meanwhile, Antonia transforms this instrument into a tool for recording her forthcoming album, Expressions. It’s as if he’s right there with me, watching and listening to every note she plays.

Unreleased recordings by their deceased father may see the light of day soon, as Antonia suggests there are approximately 200 such pieces waiting to be shared.

In his later life, he would often retreat to the recording studio and lay down track after track, according to her. There appears to be a substantial amount of unpublished work, though it remains uncertain whether this material will ever see the light of day or what plans they might have for it.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but express my concern over the recent sale of Tony’s music rights by Danny’s company, RPM Music Productions, Inc. The court documents have left me puzzled, for it seems unclear exactly what music assets (and other properties) were involved in the deal. This uncertainty stems from the fact that Tony’s daughters haven’t been given all the necessary details of the transaction. I genuinely hope this matter gets resolved swiftly and transparently, so we fans can continue to cherish Tony’s timeless music.

These statements are undeniably false and regrettably self-promoting. It is widely acknowledged that Susan Benedetto and Danny’s loyalty towards Tony was impeccable. For more than four decades, Danny and Tony Bennett have been partners, and their record of success substantiates this.

Tony carefully set up his estate long ago, taking great care to reflect his desires and generously catering to his family’s needs. Danny has consistently acted in Tony’s favor and tirelessly worked to ensure his father’s wishes were respected and executed. It’s regretful and disheartening that some are opting to challenge his decisions instead of upholding his fatherly legacy.

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2025-05-23 05:56

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