Tony Bennett remembered by Barack Obama, Viola Davis, Elton John: 'The last of his kind'

Stars are honoring iconic crooner Tony Bennett, who died Friday at 96.

Publicist Sylvia Weiner confirmed Bennett’s death to USA TODAY, saying he died in his hometown of New York. There was no specific cause given, but Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

After the news broke of his death, celebrities and former musical collaborators took to social media to pay tribute to the singer. Among the outpouring of messages paying respect to Bennett was one from former President Barack Obama.

"Tony Bennett was an iconic songwriter and entertainer who charmed generations of fans. He was also a good man— Michelle and I will always be honored that he performed at my inauguration," Obama wrote in an Instagram post.

"We're thinking of his wife Susan, his kids, and everyone who is missing him today."

Tony Bennett: Legendary singer and master of the American songbook, dies at 96

Viola Davis, Elton John, Carrie Underwood remember Tony Bennett

"The Woman King" actress Viola Davis shared a video featuring various clips of Bennett on Instagram.

"Well....your journey was complete sir," she wrote in the caption. "Your greatness was not just measured by your talent but your influence. Generations will be inspired by your work. The angels are rejoicing today by gaining a magnificent choir member. May flights of angels......"

Elton John, who recorded a "Rags to Riches" duet with Bennett for the 2006 album "Duets: An American Classic," shared some sweet words on Instagram: "Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He’s irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family."

Gayle King shared a trio of photos of herself with Bennett on Instagram and captioned them with: "this is what a legend looks like.. wife Susan described @itstonybennett as a national treasure & she was right! what a gift he has left us all ..being in his presence always special .. thinking of the Bennett family today…"

Actress and SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher took to Instagram to pay her respects.

"He exemplified a person who was good as gold, sweet like sugar & a deeply feeling, empathic human being," she wrote. "I wish more had the stuff you were made of Tony."

Carrie Underwood, who sang "It Had to Be You" with Bennett in his 2011 album "Duets II," shared several photos on Twitter, calling Bennett "the epitome of a gentleman with a God given one-of-a-kind voice." She continued, saying, "it was truly a great honor of my career and of my life to get to share the stage with you…"

Bernice King — CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, who is also the youngest daughter to Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King — called Bennett "a national and global treasure who utilized his platform as a legendary performer to stand for Civil Rights.

"In 2002, @TheKingCenter, under my mother’s leadership, awarded him our Salute to Greatness Award. It was our honor to honor Mr. Bennett."

Tony Bennett's wife, son honor singer: 'We can find joy in Tony's legacy'

Bennett's wife, Susan, and son Danny took to Instagram on Friday to pay tribute to the late singer, as well as thank "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," the pair wrote alongside a photo of Bennett performing at Radio City Music Hall in 2021. "And as sad as today has been for all of us we can find joy in Tony’s legacy forever."

George Takei: 'Sing to us now from the stars, Tony'

"Star Trek" actor George Takei called Bennett "a master of the American songbook" on Twitter.

"He was the last of his kind," Tekei wrote. "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."

Nancy Sinatra shared on Twitter that "Tony was one of the most splendid people who ever lived. Kind, loving, talented and generous, he never let us down. Sending my love to Susan, Danny and their family and friends."

She added, "Tony was a true champion."

Actor Josh Gad celebrated Bennett's full scope of life: "This one shouldn’t sting so much because any of us would take 96 years, but man is it hard to imagine a world without the great Tony Bennett."

Yvette Nicole Brown wrote that "ninety-six is a long life but I still thought he’d live forever."

Producer Nile Rodgers shared his condolences: "My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett’s family and friends. They’re also my emotional family and friends."

Stephen King added: "Sorry to hear Tony Bennett passed. He was a smoothie."

And Brooke Shields took to Twitter to share images of herself with the late icon. "You will be forever missed, Tony," she wrote. "Your legacy will live on forever, not just for your music, but for your painting and for your heart. I adore you. May you rest easy."

Bette Midler called Bennett "The Singer's Singer." She said she is "thankful I was alive during his musical reign, to hear and treasure the music he made and the man himself. He will be sorely missed."

Bennett was a champion for other artists

No vocalist celebrated the American songbook more energetically or prolifically than the man born Anthony Dominick Benedetto.

Influenced by the jazz and pop icons who preceded him — none more than Sinatra, but also Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Jimmy Durante — Bennett wielded his lush, gleaming tenor with a distinct freshness and a sense of yearning that served him well in early hits such as "Rags to Riches" and his cover of "Stranger In Paradise" (both released in 1953) and his signature tune, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."

Many considered Bennett the last of the great interpretive singers, but he continually begged to differ. He was a champion of other artists, old and new. He paired up with k.d. lang and Elvis Costello on the 1994 "MTV Unplugged" album, often heralded as his comeback. On his multi-platinum "Duets" albums, he collaborated with pop stars from Barbra Streisand and Paul McCartney to John Legend and Carrie Underwood.

Contributing: Elise Brisco, KiMi Robinson, Elysa Gardner, Kristin McGrath

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tony Bennett death mourned by Barack Obama, Elton John, more