Chester Bennington's 45th Birthday Sparks Wealth of Tributes From Widow Talinda, Linkin Park Fans
Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington would have celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday. His [...]
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After Bennington's death, Talina launched 320 Changes Direction to raise awareness of mental health issues. Her goal is to make sure mental health programs are made easily available to those who need them. "We don't need to create more programs – there are good ones out there," she wrote on the initiative's website. "But we do need to do two things. We need to streamline access to the help that IS available. And we need to change the culture of mental health so that those in need – and their family members – are able to speak openly about their struggles so that they can seek the care they deserve."
Chester Bennington would've turned 45 today. Happy birthday and may he rest in peace. 🖤🥀 pic.twitter.com/S5EOfz4wWM
— BROTHER (@BrotherHQ) March 20, 2021
In 2019, Talinda appeared on ABC Nws' Life After Suicide podcast. She said Bennington thought he was at a "good place" before his death, following his struggles with addiction and depression. Since his death, Talinda said she has found it helpful to talk with Linkin Park fans on social media. "They were reaching out, saying how sad they were and how they didn't think they could go on because Chester couldn't," Talinda explained, notes PEOPLE. "And I knew that that's the last thing Chester would've wanted."
Happy Birthday, beautiful sunshine✨
Happy Birthday, Chester🌟We miss you and we love you so much💖#ChesterBennington#LinkinPark pic.twitter.com/zyoFa0kIkH
— sparkly rainbow✨🌈 (@DailyChesterBe) March 20, 2021
Linkin Park has been on a hiatus since Bennington's death, but that could be changing soon. Bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell told Dan Really Likes Wine host Dan Nicholl that they were working on new music before the pandemic began. The surviving members have continued to stay in touch even if they cannot get together to record. "For us, with the band, we've been kinda writing and doing that before this all started, so casually at this point we're doing Zoom meetings to eat lunch together and say, 'Hi,'" Farrell explained. "But we're not able to get together and write or do that whole bit. So working at home a little bit, working up ideas."
happy birthday Chester Bennington,
you are always a legend.forever will be missed pic.twitter.com/8zo6FwH9J2
— Trap Angel (@NaylaDeyuti) March 20, 2021
"Got tears in my eyes even when I promised myself not to cry today.. thanks for sharing this memory with us Talinda. this is so meaningful for us fans too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY angel.. we think of you," one fan wrote in an emotional message on Talinda's Instagram page. "Happy birthday Chester! Thanks so much for inspiring me during my teen years! You will always be a true hero," another fan wrote.
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The official Linkin Park Instagram page also shared a message to Bennington. This provided fans with another venue to share their memories. "He was an incredible singer. Linkin Park has changed my life. Wherever you are, Chester, stay in peace," one fan wrote. "Thank you Chester for giving the world all the light and love that it sorely lacks. Happy Birthday," another commented.
Today is #InternationalDayOfHappiness and also your birthday. You're my happiness @ChesterBe ❤ I miss you a lot today ,more even other day. #chesterbennington #Chester pic.twitter.com/THs6c7OyRE
— Sara (@Saralpfamily) March 20, 2021
If you or someone you know are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.