Lauren Bennett, the British singer known for her work with G.R.L. and her feature on LMFAO’s global hit Party Rock Anthem, has died. She was 37.
Her former G.R.L. bandmates announced the news Monday in a tribute remembering Bennett’s “beautiful spirit” and the lasting impact she had on those around her.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the group said in a statement. “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.”
The statement continued, “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. Your GRLS, Em, Tash, and P.”
Bennett first gained mainstream attention as a member of Paradiso Girls before reaching international audiences through LMFAO’s 2011 smash Party Rock Anthem. The song became one of the defining pop-dance hits of the early 2010s and helped introduce Bennett to a global audience.
REELated:
Fred Alexander, longtime drummer for R&B band Lakeside, dies
She later joined G.R.L., the girl group created by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin. The lineup included Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, Paula Van Oppen and Simone Battle. The group released songs including Vacation, Ugly Heart and Lighthouse.
G.R.L. was struck by tragedy in 2014 when Battle died at 25. The loss deeply affected the group and became part of its later mission to raise awareness around mental health. Lighthouse was released as a tribute to Battle.
In a 2015 interview with People, Bennett reflected on the shock of Battle’s death, saying the group had been rehearsing together the day before they received the news.
“You can never prepare yourself for something like this, ever,” Bennett said at the time. “We’d just been in rehearsals the day before, learning choreography for our show, and the next day we were starting the morning as usual when we got the call. I still can’t believe it. I don’t think any of us can.”
Bennett continued releasing music after G.R.L., including solo material exploring grief and mental health. Her career also included collaborations with artists such as will.i.am and Pitbull.
She is survived by her daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer and actor Kenny Wormald.
No cause of death has been released.
Rest in Power, Lauren.
