Chester Bennington’s transgender child Violet Bennington has made a significant personal announcement. Violet recently changed her name from Draven to Violet. She has publicly declared her decision to go sober — a meaningful step given that her late father, Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, passed away after a long struggle with addiction.
Violet shared the news directly with her followers in a brief but powerful statement.
“Officially going sober,” Violet Bennington said.
The announcement resonates deeply in the context of her family’s history. Chester’s widow, Talinda Bennington, has previously spoken openly about the toll addiction and depression took on their family. She reflected on the challenges of understanding her husband’s struggles.
“He struggled with addiction and depression, two things I have never struggled with,” Talinda said. “Over time, I came to learn that taking care of your mental health is, as I said before, as important as taking care of your physical health.”
Talinda also recalled the shock of Chester’s passing. She noted that his death came without warning despite what appeared to be a hopeful period in his life.
“When Chester died, it was a complete surprise,” she continued. “We had a very dear friend, Chris Cornell, take his life, and I felt OK, Chester sees what Vicky and the kids are going through, and this would never happen. So we went on a family trip. My husband was full of life. He was very excited to be promoting his new album, so he was happy. He gave me his goodbye; he gave my kids his goodbye, and I never saw him again.”
Violet’s sobriety decision marks a personal turning point. The young woman appears to be consciously breaking the cycle that affected her father’s life.
Chester Bennington was found dead on July 20, 2017, at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. He was 41 years old. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death a suicide by hanging, a conclusion that sent shockwaves through the music world and beyond.
His addiction struggles were well-documented and long-standing. Chester had been candid about his battles with alcohol and drug abuse, including cocaine and methamphetamine. He also spoke openly about the childhood trauma and sexual abuse that fueled them. In the months leading up to his death, he had been fighting his urge to drink on an almost hour-by-hour basis. That detail underscores just how relentless his internal battle was.
Chester is survived by six children, including Violet. Talinda has since become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has channeled the painful history of Chester’s struggles into efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.
Against that backdrop, Violet’s decision to go sober carries a significance that extends beyond a personal lifestyle choice. It represents a deliberate step away from a pattern that cost her family immeasurably — and a public commitment to a different path.
