Tony Bennett remembered as 'one of the greats' after he dies at 96

Tony Bennett was hailed as "truly one of the greats" after his death at the age of 96.

The legendary singer's publicist confirmed that he passed away in New York, where he lived.

Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago, and shared his diagnosis with his fans in 2021.

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Singer Paul Young was among the first to pay tribute to the star, whose best known songs include The Way You Look Tonight and I Left My Heart In San Francisco.

"Ahhh, RIP Tony Bennett, truly one of the greats," he tweeted.

"The first album I had was Tony Bennett sings 10 Rodgers and Hart songs, from when my record company in 1976 let me do a ‘bank raid’ of their vinyl stock and I was a fan from there on in.

"An incredible singer live, saw him many times."

Star Trek actor George Takei posted: "The great Tony Bennett has passed away at the age of 96.

"He was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook.

"He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga."

"Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony," he added.

The Rev Jesse Jackson Sr was among those sending condolences.

"He marched with us in 1964," he said on Twitter.

"He was dedicated to civil and human rights and to the arts.

"He will live as long as we remember him."

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Fans also flocked to social media to pay tribute to the crooner, who worked with stars such as Sinatra and Lady Gaga over the years.

Many remembered his "timeless" voice and called him a "legend".

Watch: Legendary singer Tony Bennett has died