The world was shocked by the news of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington's sudden and tragic death by suicide a week ago at his home outside of Los Angeles. His widow, Talinda Bennington, has now issued a heartfelt and poignant statement to Rolling Stone, saying that she has lost her "soulmate" and that Chester is now "pain-free."
Read Talinda's full statement below:
"One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero-their Daddy," she wrote. "We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy. How do I move on? How do I pick up my shattered soul? The only answer I know is to raise our babies with every ounce of love I have left.
"I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well."
"My babies are so young to have lost their daddy. And I know that all of you will help keep his memory alive. He was a bright, loving soul with an angel's voice. And now he is pain-free, singing his songs in all of our hearts.
"May God Bless us all and help us turn to one another when we are in pain. Chester would've wanted us to do so.
"Rest in peace, my love."
Linkin Park also released a statement earlier this week mourning the loss of Chester. In a Facebook post, the band said their hearts were "broken" and that they did not know the path the group would take in the future.
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
RELATED VIDEO: Chester Bennington: The Voice of a Generation
Photo Credit: Getty