Following the tragic news of Chester Bennington's death on Thursday, fans may want to learn more about the Linkin Park singer's personal life. As reported by TMZ, Bennington is survived by six children and his wife, model Talinda Ann Bentley. And based on a 2009 tweet, he was a very proud dad. Bennington wrote at the time, "I have the cutest kids ever." This past May, he also deemed his daughter's graduation "one of the greatest moments" of his life. On Twitter, Bennington frequently posted about his family, which also appears to include a few dogs.
The first of Bennington's six children was Jaime, who was born in 1996 to his girlfriend at the time, Elka Brand, according to Heavy. His second child, Draven Sebastian, was born in 2002 to his first wife, Samantha Marie Olit. After Bennington and Olit divorced in 2005, he married Bentley; their first child, Tyler Lee, was born the next year. Also in 2006, Bennington formally adopted Brand's other son, Jaime's half-brother Isaiah, welcoming him to his family. And in 2011, he and Bentley welcomed their second and third children, twin girls Lila and Lily.
In addition to his five biological children and one adopted son, Bennington was also the godfather to another boy: the child of his close friend Chris Cornell, the lead singer of Soundgarden. In a tragic twist, Cornell also took his own life earlier this year. Bennington wrote a heartfelt note in response to his friend's passing in May:
"I can't imagine a world without you in it. I pray you find peace in the next life. I send my love to your wife and children, friends and family. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life."
Bennington also sang at Cornell's funeral, performing a rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Making this news all the more devastating, the Linkin Park singer's own reported suicide comes on the birthday of his dearly departed friend.
Between his own children, his godchild, and several pets, the Linkin Park singer seemed like a true family man, and he will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
