My children lost their hero': Chester Bennington's 'shattered' wife breaks her silence

A week after Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington committed suicide, his "shattered" widow has spoken out.

 Band member Mike Shinoda tweeted his amazement at the news after Bennington was discovered dead in his southern California home on July 20. He described his feelings as "heartbroken."

 The singer's 12-year wife, Talinda Bennington, said in a statement Friday that she has "lost her soulmate" and that their kids had "lost their hero," according to The Rolling Stone.

"We had a fairytale life and now it has turned into some sick Shakespearean tragedy," she stated.

 "How can I get over this?  How can I pick up my broken spirit?  Raising our children with all of my remaining love is the only solution I am aware of."

 Ms. Bennington claimed that her husband was a "bright loving soul" and that she is confident that the fans and community will preserve his "memory alive."

 "May we all be blessed by God and be able to lean on one another in times of need.  The statement said, "This is what Chester would have wanted us to do.

The father-of-six was discovered dead at his residence in the upscale Palos Verdes Estate neighborhood, according to a call received by the Los Angeles County coroner's office shortly after 9 a.m. (1600 GMT).

 On the day that his late friend Chris Cornell would have been 53, Bennington reportedly committed suicide.  In May, Bennington, the frontman for Soundgarden, issued an open letter about his own life.

 Bennington, who had six children and two marriages, had battled substance abuse and a negative self-image throughout his life.