'Party Rock Anthem' singer Lauren Bennett dies at 36
Lauren Bennett, one of the singers of LMFAO's hit Party Rock Anthem, has died. She was 36.
Bennett's former music group G.R.L. announced the news on Instagram. "It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren," the group wrote in a post.
"Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved," the statement continued.
Per BBC, Bennett joined G.R.L. in 2014 with Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Simone Battle, and Emmalyn Estrada. Later that year, Battle died by suicide, leading the group to disband the next year, though the remaining members sporadically performed together over the years.
"Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts," the statement concluded, signed, "Your GRLs Em, Tash, and P."
Bennett was a member of another musical group, Paradiso Girls, which was packaged to be the European version of the US girl group The Pussycat Dolls.
Bennett's father, Robert Bennett, paid tribute to his daughter on Instagram, describing her as "the love of my life and my pride and joy."
"Lauren was an incredible person and artist: creative, talented, funny, and as humble as she was beautiful," Robert wrote. He added how she became a professional artist at just 12 years old.
"Her achievements in the music industry were beyond our wildest dreams and continue to make me so proud," he wrote.
Though no official cause of death has been disclosed publicly, Robert shared the circumstances surrounding her death.
"Months before her death, Lauren experienced a severe reaction to a prescribed medication. As a family, we all rallied around her and did everything we could to support her," Robert wrote.
"We have no suspicions regarding the circumstances of her death, only deep disappointment that, for five months, medical professionals and NHS services failed to treat her appropriately during her time of greatest need," he continued.
"Lauren was deeply loved and will be missed every day for the rest of our lives. I hope she will be remembered for her remarkable achievements, her beautiful music, and the incredible person she was," he added, asking for privacy and respect as the family grieves.
Bennett leaves behind a young daughter.
