Richard Bennett said his daughter lives on through her family and the music she made.
“Lauren was an incredible person and artist: creative, talented, funny, and as humble as she was beautiful. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and made a lasting impact on countless lives through her music, her kindness, and the way she made people feel.”
Richard Bennett says his daughter suffered a severe reaction to prescribed medication in the lead-up to her death. Photo / Lauren Bennett
News of her passing emerged on Monday, over a month after her death, prompting an outpouring of grief from her former bandmates and fans.
“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 bandmates wrote.
“Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.
“Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts.”
Bennett first gained international recognition after featuring on LMFAO’s 2011 hit Party Rock Anthem.
She later joined G.R.L., a girl group formed by choreographer Robin Antin as a successor to the Pussycat Dolls.
Alongside Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, Paula Van Oppen and Simone Battle, the group made waves with the song Ugly Heart.
Lauren Bennett of G.R.L. performing during the Nickelodeon Slimefest 2016 matinee show in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images
After the death of Battle in 2014 when she was just 25, the band released a tribute single, titled Lighthouse and teamed up with the mental health charity Give an Hour.
“There’s a lot of young people who are taking their own lives, and the music industry is so influential on youth,” Bennett said at the time, the Guardian reported.
“Hopefully, for us, we would love to help at least one person.”
Bennett is survived by her 6-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer and Footloose actor Kenny Wormald.