Chester Bennington's widow: Life is a 'sick Shakespearean tragedy' after Linkin Park singer's suicide

Talinda Bennington addressed the death of her husband, Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, in a heart-rending statement issued Friday.

“One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero — their daddy,” began Bennington, 40, who married the singer in 2006 and is mother to their three children, son Tyler Lee and twins Lilly and Lila. “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.”

She continued: “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.”

Prior to his death, Talinda shared sweet moments of their life together on social media. “Happy Father’s Day to the man of my dreams❤️,” she wrote of a couple’s selfie on Twitter on June 18. “You are the best Daddy ever!!”

On May 8, Talinda tweeted a family photo, showing the couple holding hands with their three children.

Chester was found dead at 41 after hanging himself at his home in Palo Verdes Estates, California on Thursday, July 20, the L.A. Coroner’s Office told EW. He had six children from multiple relationships.

GALLERY: See Chester Bennington’s Life in Photos

Linkin Park canceled the remainder of their North American tour as they continued to cope with the loss of their bandmate. The news rippled throughout the music industry as celebrities and fans alike paid tribute to the frontman.

VIDEO: Linkin Park Frontman Chester Bennington, 41, Found Dead

“Our hearts are broken. The shockwaves of grief and denial are still sweeping through our family as we come to grips with what has happened,” a statement from Linkin Park read. “You touched so many lives, maybe even more than you realized. In the past few days, we’ve seen an outpouring of love and support, both public and private, from around the world. Talinda and the family appreciate it, and want the world to know that you were the best husband, son, and father; the family will never be whole without you.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).