Chester Bennington's wife says her life has been turned into a "sick Shakespearean tragedy" following his death.

Talinda Bennington has spoken out for the first time since the Linkin Park frontman - who had six children - committed suicide earlier this month aged 41, and she admitted her "fairytale life" has been left in tatters after losing her "soulmate".

She wrote: "One week ago, I lost my soulmate and my children lost their hero - their Daddy. 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.

"I want to let my community and the fans worldwide know that we feel your love. We feel your loss as well."

Talinda praised Chester - who had three children, Tyler, 11, and six-year-old twins Lilly and Lila, with her - for being "bright" and having an "angel's voice", but admitted he is now "pain free".

In the statement, issued to Rolling Stone magazine, she added: "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.

Always, Mrs.Talinda Bennington"

Chester also had son Draven, 15, with his ex-wife Samantha Olit, and Jaime, 21, from his relationship with Elka Brand, as well as her son Isaiah, who he adopted in 2006.

The star was found dead at his Los Angeles home by his housekeeper and authorities investigating his death found no obvious signs of drug abuse.

His family are keen to have a private memorial for him.