Linkin Park Shares Gripping Letter to Late Frontman Chester Bennington

Chester Bennington’s death sent shockwaves through the music community as well as multiple decades worth of their fan base, and on Monday Linkin Park shared an open letter to the late singer that addressed the loss head-on.

The letter, which they posted to their website and published on Twitter, begins with a simple “Dear Chester” before going on to share with the late musician meant to them.

MORE: Linkin Park Honors Chester Bennington with Tribute Website

Bennington died of suicide by hanging last week.

The letter, in its entirety, appears below.

UP NEXT: Linkin Park Members Speak Out About Chester Bennington’s Death

Dear Chester,

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.

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.

Talking with you about the years ahead together, your excitement was infectious. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled—a boisterous, funny, ambitious, creative, kind, generous voice in the room is missing. We’re trying to remind ourselves that the demons who took you away from us were always part of the deal. After all, it was the way you sang about those demons that made everyone fall in love with you in the first place. You fearlessly put them on display, and in doing so, brought us together and taught us to be more human. You had the biggest heart, and managed to wear it on your sleeve.

Our love for making and performing music is inextinguishable. While we don’t know what path our future may take, we know that each of our lives was made better by you. Thank you for that gift. We love you, and miss you so much.

Until we see you again,

LP

The letter moved the fans who had already been reeling from Bennington’s unexpected death, prompting them to share thoughts of their own about the singer and his impact.