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Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington left behind a big family. He passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles, California. His band sold more than 70 million records worldwide, released seven studio albums, and earned themselves two Grammy awards. But Bennington’s greatest accomplishment of all may be his family. Chester had two spouses and numerous girlfriend throughout his life, breeding a total of six children altogether.
Meet Jamie & Isiah
Bennington had his first son with a former girlfriend named Elka Brand. Their son is named Jamie, and he was born on May 12, 1996. Chester even adopted Brand’s son Isiah. The adoption process was made official in 2006.
After Elka and Chester split up, the couple remained in close contact. They remained close after the break-up, so both parents can see their boys.
Meet Draven Sebastian
Chester had his second son with his first wife. Bennington married Samantha Marie Olit in 1996. Six years later, on April 19, 2002, Olit gave birth to Draven Sebastian Bennington. In 2005, Chester broke up with Samantha, and finalized their divorce.
But Draven still keeps in contact with him mom, as evidenced by these Instagram photos:
Meet Lily, Lila & Tyler
He may have divorced his long-time wife Samantha in 2005. But in that same year, he tied the knot with Talinda Ann Bentley. Chester and Talinda had three children together; two twin daughters named Lila and Lily and one son named Tyler.
Chester’s children were the light of his life.
In 2016, Bennington talked to the Las Vegas Review Journal about his huge family. “Let me give you a typical day. I’m a recovering alcoholic, that’s the first thing. I have a big family. I’ve got three kids in college, one in high school, one in fifth grade and twin girls who are 5; they are in pre-K. I have two pigmy goats, three bantam chickens, a tortoise, six dogs, two cats, fish, so I have a farm.”
Chester is also the Godfather for one of Chris Cornell’s Children
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Bennington is also the godfather of one of Chris Cornell’s son Nicholas. Chester was present at the baptism of Cornell’s young son.
Chris Cornell committed suicide on May 17, 2017. Chester was deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend. Bennington took to social media the day of Cornell’s passing to pay his respects.
“Dear Chris, I dreamt about the Beatles last night. I woke up with Rocky Raccoon playing in my head and a concerned look on my wife’s face. She told me my friend has just passed away. Thoughts of you flooded my mind and I wept. I’m still weeping, with sadness, as well as gratitude for having shared some very special moments with you and your beautiful family. You have inspired me in many ways you could never have known. Your talent was pure and unrivaled. Your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. I suppose that’s what we all are. You helped me understand that. I just watched a video of you singing ‘ A day in the life ‘ by the Beatles and thought of my dream. I’d like to think you were saying goodbye in your own way. 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 a part of your life. With all of my love. Your friend, Chester Bennington.”
