Tony Bennett's Kids Lock Horns In Court Over The Icon's $7 Million Estate

The iconic Tony Bennett's children are engaged in a fierce courtroom showdown over his $7 million estate.

This week, Danny Bennett, along with his sisters Antonia and Johanna, turned a family disagreement into a legal battle that could deepen their rift. 

Tony Bennett passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced on his X (formerly Twitter) page, and a flurry of Hollywood tributes followed.

The latest drama between the 70-year-old and his sisters unfolded when he requested more time to respond to a lawsuit filed by his sisters—a plea that was swiftly rejected by their legal team.

Antonia and Johanna, through their lawyer, firmly declined Danny's request for an extension, arguing that it would "delay the production of information to which they are entitled."

The sisters have been seeking a comprehensive accounting of the estate, but it seems their requests have gone unanswered. According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Danny's attorney, who was only recently retained, cited the need for additional time. In his words:

"I am insufficiently familiar with the case to determine how best to respond to the Petition. In addition, I have planned vacation time during the last two weeks of August, as does my partner." 

Despite these explanations, Antonia and Johanna's lawyer insisted that their clients are owed an accounting and would only agree to the extension if Danny provided the requested financial details within 45 days.

In the face of mounting pressure, Danny turned to the court for a decision, pleading for additional time to respond to the lawsuit. 

Following the iconic singer's passing on July 21, 2023, at the age of 96, Danny was appointed as the trustee of Tony's trust—a role that has now become the center of a fierce family conflict.

In June, Antonia and Johanna reportedly accused their brother of mishandling their father's estate.

Their lawsuit states that Danny allegedly failed to provide them with the accounting of the estate's financial activities, particularly regarding the proceeds from the sale of Tony's music catalog and brand deals.

The sisters expressed their disbelief upon learning that their father's estate reportedly holds only $7 million, despite their belief that he had amassed over $100 million in earnings over the past 15 years. 

Adding fuel to the fire, the lawsuit also highlighted a significant disparity in financial gifts within the family. Antonia and Johanna allege that Danny received $4.2 million in gifts from their father—an amount that far exceeds what the other three siblings have received.

The heartbreak of seeing the legendary singer's name drawn into a legal battle must be overwhelming for Susan Benedetto, who paid a moving tribute to Tony shortly after his passing in July last year.

At the time, The Blast noted that in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Susan, alongside Tony's son Danny, expressed deep gratitude to all who supported him throughout his life and career. 

"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," the joint statement read.

Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Susan and Danny reminded followers of Tony's humble beginnings as a singing waiter in Queens, to his final, unforgettable performances at Radio City Music Hall in 2021. "Tony delighted in performing the songs he loved and making people happy," they shared.

The statement also offered comfort to fans, highlighting Tony's enduring legacy of over 70 albums.

Susan's heartfelt tribute saw an outpouring of affection from fans, who took to the comment section to express their sorrow and admiration for the "I Won't Cry Anymore" singer. 

"May his memory and his music always be blessings. He was one of a kind. May he be at peace," wrote one admirer, emphasizing the enduring impact of Tony's artistry.

Another fan reflected, "Beautiful human being. An icon. We are grateful to Tony for all he shared!" while others shared similar sentiments.

"You are one of a kind, Tony. I will miss you, but I know you're singing in heaven today. Until we meet again, RIP," one person wrote. The wave of tributes continued, with fans remembering Tony as a "class act" and a "king" of his craft. 

The music world continues to mourn the loss of Tony, especially his close collaborator, Lady Gaga. The duo formed an unlikely yet enduring bond, captivating audiences with their unique musical collaborations.

The Blast noted that to mark the one-year anniversary of his passing, the actress shared a poignant tribute on Instagram. The post featured a timeless black-and-white photo of Gaga and Tony, capturing their shared moments of joy and musical magic.

In the accompanying caption, Gaga reflected on their special bond and the impact the father-of-four had on her life and career. "It's been one year since Tony passed away," she wrote, before expressing her gratitude for the enduring friendship she shares with Susan.

The "Poker Face" singer also acknowledged the community of jazz musicians who continue to honor Tony's memory. "We're gonna keep on swingin'. Miss you. Life is a beautiful thing," Gaga concluded.