Bennett calls Winehouse 'extraordinary'

NEW YORK, July 25 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Tony Bennett says he was "deeply saddened" to hear his one-time collaborator Amy Winehouse had died during the weekend at the age of 27.

Winehouse, who had battled drug and alcohol addiction for years, died Saturday in her London home.

Authorities have said an autopsy on her body did not explain why she died. They are awaiting the results of toxicology reports before determining an official cause of death.

Bennett, who recorded the classic pop standard "Body and Soul" with Winehouse at Abbey Road Studios in London last March, issued a statement through RPM/Columbia Records after learning of Winehouse's death.

"Amy Winehouse was an artist of immense proportions and I am deeply saddened to learn of her tragic passing," Bennett said. "She was an extraordinary musician with a rare intuition as a vocalist and I am truly devastated that her exceptional talent has come to such an early end. She was a lovely and intelligent person, and when we recorded together she gave a soulful and extraordinary performance. I was honored to have the opportunity to sing with her. It had been my sincere hope that she would be able to overcome the issues she was battling and I send my deepest sympathy to her father Mitchell, her entire family and all of those who loved her."