Chester Bennington’s widow announces engagement

The widow of Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington has announced she is engaged, two years on from the singer’s death.

Talinda Bennington was married to Bennington for 11 years before he took his own life in 2017.

She announced on social media that she is set to marry her “angel on earth”, a man she named only as Michael F.

Adding that she was “overjoyed”, she said: “I am here to tell you that you can find love after tragedy. That a death of a soulmate does not mean the death of you.

“My family, friends and my Linkin Park brothers welcome him to the family with open arms.”

Ms Bennington had three children with Bennington and has become a prominent mental health campaigner since his death. She told fans she would continue to “honour Chester and continue my life’s mission to make his passing not in vein [sic]”.

She said: “To all suicide loss survivors, you CAN be happy again. You CAN have space in your heart for grief, joy, happiness, sadness and love.”

Linkin Park co-founder Mike Shinoda wrote on Instagram: “I’ve already congratulated you both in person, but congrats again, ha! All our love and support!”

Shortly before announcing the engagement, Ms Bennington had told followers she would be going to the World Health Organisation headquarters before suicide prevention day to work with them on a social media campaign sharing her work since his death.

She founded 320 Changes Direction which aims to encourage people to talk about mental health problems and seek help, as well as look out for signs of problems in others.

Speaking about his death earlier this year, the 42-year-old said Bennington was “in a good place” before his death, saying his willingness to speak openly about his struggles had marked a step forward for him.

She said it was their children who made her realise she needed to move forward from grief.

Bennington, 41, was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on 20 July, 2017. A coroner later ruled he had taken his own life.

The Grammy-Award winner had battled depression and substance abuse in the years before his death.

The band went on indefinite hiatus after he died.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2019: Chester Bennington’s widow announces engagement