British singer Lauren Bennett, known for her featured vocals on LMFAO’s 2011 global smash “Party Rock Anthem,” has died at the age of 36. The news was announced Monday via the official Instagram account of her former group, G.R.L.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the group’s statement read. “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 beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
The announcement did not disclose a cause of death. However, coroner records confirm Bennett died in Meopham, Kent, on May 29, with an inquest scheduled for October. Representatives for the singer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“Party Rock Anthem” spent six weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011 and has since been ranked by the publication as the fifth most successful song of all time. The accompanying music video, which features Bennett alongside the duo LMFAO, has amassed over 2.5 billion views on YouTube.
Bennett joined G.R.L. in 2014. The group, assembled by Robin Antin as a reboot of The Pussycat Dolls, originally included Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Simone Battle, and Emmalyn Estrada. Their most successful single, “Ugly Heart,” was released that same year, followed by a feature on Pitbull’s hit “Wild Wild Love.” The group disbanded in 2015 following the death of Simone Battle by suicide.
Prior to G.R.L., Bennett was a member of the Paradiso Girls, a European spin-off of The Pussycat Dolls also created by Antin. Her credits additionally include soundtrack contributions for the films Date Night and 21 Jump Street.
Former Paradiso Girls bandmate Aria Crescendo paid tribute on Instagram, writing: “RIP Lauren my sister my best friend I can’t believe you left us. We spoke a week before it all happened and I could not imagine that would be the last time I would be able to talk to you. Love you and miss you forever.”
