Tony Bennett’s Daughters Recall Their Memories Together; Says They Would Visit the Same Hotel Every Year

As a dedicated follower of Tony Bennett’s life and career, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to his daughters Antonia and Johanna as they share their cherished memories of their late father with the world. Their heartfelt recollections of summers spent on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed annual traditions and the warmth of their beloved father’s presence, resonate deeply with me.


Tony Bennett’s daughters, Antonia and Johanna, spoke fondly of their beloved father in an interview with PEOPLE, recalling the happy moments they shared with him.

Antonia and Johanna nostalgically looked back on their cherished childhood summers in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they spent time with their dear father, Tony Bennett. Each summer, their family followed a cherished tradition by staying at the same hotel near the Melody Tent. The sisters’ recollections beautifully capture the joy and warmth of those special summers, filled with the love and companionship of their beloved dad.

Remembering Tony: A summer tribute

Fifty-year-old Antonia looked back on the memories of Tony’s shows at the Melody Tact. He performed there with various groups – trios, quartets, or even big bands. Those summer nights, marked by his presence and captivating performances, left a deep imprint on her.

At the Cape Cod Melody Tent, Johanna, 54, looked back with fondness on the memories she shared with her father. She recalled that each night they spent there, they were treated to the music of exceptional artists, an experience she regarded as highly meaningful.

The woman shared that the experience was truly remarkable, emphasizing the exceptional hospitality extended to the musicians and their families at the Melody Tent in Cape Cod. She noted that generous feasts were arranged for the artists around 3 or 4 p.m. every day.

As someone who has worked closely with Antonia and Johanna in the film and live events industry, I can tell you that this upcoming summer holds a significant milestone for them. July 21st, falling on a Sunday this year, marks the anniversary of Tony’s passing. Having known and collaborated with these two exceptional individuals, I am fully aware of the deep bond they shared with Tony. His absence will undoubtedly cast a unique shade over their summer experiences, as they remember and celebrate his life and legacy in their own special ways.

Johanna shared that they intended to pay their respects at the cemetery on the anniversary. Additionally, Antonia voiced her interest in checking out some of Tony’s beloved haunts in New York City, including Arturo’s, Il Mulino, and the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Looking back on the last twelve months, Johanna shared that she had been exploring her mourning journey as she believed she hadn’t fully processed her loss. She described how her days had been filled with constant activity, leaving little room for deep sadness which would occasionally surface unexpectedly.

Reflecting on loss and memories

After Tony passed away, Antonia found herself feeling incredibly occupied. She expressed that there were times when it seemed like she was just going through the motions of daily life, almost in a daze.

After the first year, people stopped inquiring about Antonia’s well-being, leaving her to ponder the depth of her sorrow. Two women shared their experiences, explaining how grief ebbs and flows, bringing intense feelings followed by brief respites. Antonia confessed that expressing her emotions fully proved challenging, especially in social settings where vulnerability felt uneasy.

During one of her initial social events following Tony’s passing, Johanna remembered an incident where she was hit with a wave of sadness. Despite the warmth and friendliness she showed towards each guest as she greeted them, inside, Johanna felt ordinary due to the extended time since their last encounter.

During their conversation, it struck someone suddenly that they hadn’t seen Johanna since her father passed away. Their face showed surprise and worry as they came to this understanding. This discovery led another person to inquire about Johanna’s wellbeing later on. However, Johanna recalled later that she had been okay until that moment.

She added that her feelings would occasionally come up unannounced, making her long-term stay in the New York area, which had been her father’s home for decades, a bittersweet memory.

Johanna deeply treasured her father’s witty and sarcastic humor, which brought her great joy. However, Antonia expressed worry about his frequent phone calls during his summer and fall travels. She mentioned that although they had once shared many conversations, their frequency had decreased as he grew older.

Antonia longed for his calls to return, which came occasionally until the final moment. Her memory of his cheerful and teasing greetings when addressing her remained vivid.

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2024-07-22 13:39