Lauren Bennett, the English singer who gained international fame as a member of the US pop group GRL and for her collaboration with LMFAO on "Party Rock Anthem," has died at the age of 37. Her death was confirmed by her former bandmates on Instagram, who expressed their grief and paid tribute to her "beautiful spirit."
Bandmates Confirm the News
"Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us," wrote the group on Monday, July 6, 2026. "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 tribute was signed by "Em, Tash, and P" — referring to Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen.
Bennett joined GRL in 2013 ahead of their debut single "Vacation," which was featured on the soundtrack for The Smurfs 2. The group later gained global recognition through their collaboration with Pitbull on "Wild Wild Love."
Early Career and Solo Work
Before GRL, Bennett was a member of The Paradiso Girls and appeared in the Pussycat Dolls' fitness DVD. She also collaborated with Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin. After leaving The Paradiso Girls, she pursued solo work and featured on a remix of will.i.am's "I Got It from My Mama." She then teamed up with LMFAO on "Party Rock Anthem," which became her first number one hit in both the UK and US.
Personal Life and Tragic Losses
Bennett leaves behind her daughter Harlow, born in 2019, with her partner Kenny Wormald, an actor and dancer. The GRL lineup originally included Simone Battle, who died by suicide in September 2014 at age 25 while battling depression. The group honored her memory with the track "Lighthouse." Following Battle's death, GRL disbanded in 2015 but reunited in June 2016, later touring with acts such as S Club Allstars, 5ive, and Brovas.
In May 2016, Bennett released her solo track "Hurricane," addressing mental health struggles. She said at the time: "After G.R.L. ended I had no idea what was going to happen next, everything fell apart pretty fast. That's when this song was written. After seeing my mother suffer with mental struggles for years I then lost a friend to this. It has always affected my life in some way."
Legacy
Bennett's contributions to pop music, particularly her work with GRL and LMFAO, have left a lasting impact on fans worldwide. Her bandmates concluded their tribute: "Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts."
