How many children did Chester Bennington have? Late Linkin Park star’s child comes out as Transgender at 22

One of Chester Bennington’s children, Draven, recently took to social media to share a highly private chapter of her life. The 22-year-old musician revealed that she came out as transgender last year in August and embarked on her journey of transitioning.

Draven is one of Chester Bennigton’s six children. The late Linkin Park frontman’s first kid, Jaime, was born in 1996. Jaime’s mother, Elka Brand, was in a relationship with Bennington and maintained a good rapport with the singer following their breakup. Brand’s other child, Isaiah, was born in 1997, and Chester adopted him years later, in 2006.

Following his split from Brand, Chester Bennington married his first wife, Samantha Marie Olit, a life coach and a music industry executive, in October 1996. They welcomed their only child, Draven Bennington, in April 2002. However, their marriage ended in divorce, as the couple parted ways almost nine years after their wedding.

At the end of 2005, Chester Bennington married his second wife, Talinda Ann Bentley, a former Playboy model. A few months after their marriage, Talinda and Chester Bennington welcomed their first child, Tyler Lee Bennington. Five years later, the couple’s twin daughters – Lila and Lily Bennington – were born.

Chester Bennington passed away in 2017 and is survived by his wife, Talinda Bentley, and six children.

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Chester Bennington’s only child with Samantha Olit, Draven, penned a heartfelt post announcing her gender identity

Samantha Olit and Chester Bennington’s kid, Draven, wrote a profound letter for everyone, sharing her gender identity on Valentine’s Day. Draven, who will turn 23 later this year, started the process of transitioning in August 2024 after coming out as transgender. She penned.

“As today is a day to celebrate love and what love truly means, whether it's for a partner, family, or ourselves, I thought it would be a perfect time to show some love to myself. For a long time, I tried to be someone, someone I truly wasn't on the inside. Ignoring it worked for awhile, but continuously coming to the crossroads of being happy or being complacent was one I couldn't keep crossing.”

She further shared,

“In August of last year, I decided to take the path of happiness and being true to myself. I came out as transgender and started hormone replacement therapy, and it has been the best decision I've ever made in my life. I do have to say I am very blessed to be able to do this, as well as have such supportive family and friends.”

Draven thanked everyone, especially her mother, Samantha, for displaying their love and respect as she commenced a new chapter of her life. She concluded,

“I love each and every one of you who have shown me nothing but love and respect and see me for who I truly am. Especially Mom, you've always unconditionally loved me. I'm so blessed to be your child! I love you to the moon and back! With all the love and support I received, I've built the strength to love myself. This is why I'm choosing to no longer hide who I am. Love is love.”

Samantha (@samanthabennington) reciprocated with a supportive comment on Draven’s post, as she wrote,

“I’m so proud of you. I love you with all my heart and soul. You’re my favorite human on the planet. I just want you happy and healthy forever and always.😍”

In addition to posting the message, Draven Bennington also updated her Instagram profile with the “She/Her” pronouns, symbolically asserting her gender identity on the public platform.