Linkin Park was scheduled to perform at Central Park as part of the “Good Morning America’s” Summer Concert series, but due to lead singer Chester Bennington’s death, Chris Cornell’s daughter took its place.
Toni Cornell, 12, was joined by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder on Friday to perform a tribute to the Linkin Park frontman and her father, which brought the audience to tears.
The duo performed the classic song “Hallelujah,” a throwback to when Bennington, who was very close with Cornell, sang it as his funeral.
“Chester sang this at Chris’ funeral, and this is arguably one of the greatest songs written in the last 50 years,” Tedder said. “It’s a very special song to us, and I think to most people and especially to Toni as well.”
“It’s an honor to perform this for my dad and Chester and to sing for them,” Toni Cornell said.
Bennington was found dead in his home in July 20 at the age of 41. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office ruled it a suicide.
July 20 was Cornell’s birthday.
Bennington was good friends with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who was found dead in May. His death was also ruled a suicide.
Toni and her sister, 17-year-old Lillian Jean, penned letters to their father after his death.
“Daddy, Let me start by saying how much I love you and how much you mean to me,” Toni wrote. “You are my idol, someone I’ve always looked up to. You were always there for me. You pushed me forward every day, and you still do.”
Watch the full performance above.
If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.