The Linkin Park frontman would have turned 42 on Tuesday.
The loved ones of late Linkin Park rocker Chester Bennington took to social media to pay tribute to the musician on what would have been his 42nd birthday on Tuesday.
“Wishing a happy birthday to our brother @ChesterBe today,” the group’s official Instagram account captioned a photo of the musician, who committed suicide in July 2017. “In his honor, we are launching a fundraiser on our Facebook page via @musicforrelief's ONE MORE LIGHT FUND, benefiting #320ChangesDirection.”
Bandmate Mike Shinoda also shared a snap of Bennington in concert, with the spotlight shining down on his silhouette as he threw his arms in the air. “Happy birthday buddy,” Shinoda wrote alongside the photo.
Bennington’s wife, Talinda, meanwhile, posted a sweet message to her “boo” while promoting her 320 Changes Direction initiative, which aims to educate people on the five signs of emotional suffering and healthy habits for emotional well-being.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY my love @ChesterBe,” she wrote. “From the day we met, you have changed me for the better. Today, I honor you. RIP BOO. Visit http://www.changedirection.org/320-changes-direction to make a pledge to know the 5 signs of emotional health❤️ #320ChangesDirection #Iamthechange.”
Earlier in March, Talinda appealed to fans on social media to mark Bennington’s birthday by showing their support for the campaign, by posing for the camera after writing the words, “I am the change,” on their hands.
She posted some of the photos, including one of Shinoda, on her Instagram account on Tuesday.
While Talinda is clearly passionate about the campaign, she admitted that celebrating Bennington’s birthday without him there was full of, “unexpected and overwhelming” feelings.
She opened up about the mixed emotions during an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 on Apple Music on Tuesday.
“The feelings are unexpected and overwhelming,” she said. “I guess that's the best way I could put it. I didn't think I was going to be so emotional over his birthday. Anybody who knew Chester knew that Chester didn't really like to celebrate his birthday. Every time I brought a cake out, he'd give me that cute little side eye roll like, ‘Okay.’”
“He just never enjoyed celebrating it, but the kids [and] myself, we always did,” she continued. “So, part of me thought that we’d be able to push through just like any other day and we’d light a candle for him and the kids will draw a card and write down their wishes and put them in their wish box for him. But today has a lot of feelings.”
On Friday, Talinda also paid tribute to her son, Tyler, on his 12th birthday, sharing how the young boy had “turned toward light and love,” following his father’s tragic death.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our baby boy Tyler!” she wrote alongside a cute slideshow of Tyler. “On this day 12 years ago, you gave me the greatest gift ever-You made me a Mom, YOUR MOM❤️ You are the greatest son, brother, and friend. You are wise beyond your years. You have taken tragedy and turned toward light and love. We love you!"
See more on Bennington’s death below.
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