A Mother’s Eternal Grief: Taesha Bennett’s Heart-Wrenching New Year’s Pilgrimage to King Von’s Grave

By Aisha Thompson, Culture Reporter Chicago Tribune January 6, 2026

CHICAGO — As the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2026, ushering in a new year filled with hope for many, Taesha “Tasha” Bennett embarked on what has become a solemn annual ritual: visiting the grave of her son, the late Chicago drill rapper King Von. Bundled against the biting Illinois winter wind at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Bennett poured out her soul in a raw display of maternal love and unending sorrow, whispering words of longing to the headstone that marks the final resting place of Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known to the world as King Von.

This New Year’s custom, now in its sixth year since Von’s tragic death on November 6, 2020, underscores the profound bond between mother and son—a relationship forged in the hardships of Chicago’s South Side. Taesha, who turned 50 in June 2025 and celebrated with tributes to her son’s legacy, has openly shared her grief through social media and public appearances. “I’ve missed him so much,” she reportedly said during the visit, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. Eyewitnesses described the scene as deeply moving, with Bennett kneeling by the grave, clutching a bouquet of white roses—Von’s favorite—and reciting lyrics from his songs, a poignant reminder of his storytelling prowess that captured the streets’ harsh realities.

atlasobscura.com

King Von’s Grave | Atlas Obscura

King Von, born in 1994, rose from the infamous Parkway Gardens housing project, dubbed “O’Block,” to become a hip-hop sensation under Lil Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) label. His music, including hits like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O,” painted vivid pictures of gang life, loyalty, and survival. Raised primarily by Taesha after his father, Walter E. Bennett, was incarcerated and later killed when Von was just 11, the rapper credited his mother as his anchor. “She held it down through everything,” Von once said in an interview. Their story is one of resilience: Taesha, mother to three of Von’s siblings and six half-siblings from his father’s side, navigated poverty, violence, and loss while instilling values of family first.

The visit comes amid ongoing tributes to Von’s legacy, marked by the acronym LLKV—Long Live King Von—which fans and family alike invoke as a mantra. In October 2025, Taesha broke down at the grave in a viral TikTok video, sharing memories of her “baby boy” and the pain that time hasn’t healed. That moment, viewed millions of times, highlighted her vulnerability, contrasting with fabricated AI images circulating online that she denounced as “not real and not funny.” For New Year’s 2026, sources close to the family say Taesha arrived alone at dusk, spending over an hour in quiet reflection. She spoke of missing his laughter, his calls home, and the way he surprised her with gifts from his first rap checks—acts of gratitude that defined his character.

Fans have joined in honoring Von, with memorials at the grave site drawing crowds on key dates like his birthday and death anniversary. Murals across Chicago depict his image, and posthumous albums like What It Means to Be King keep his music alive.

facebook.com

When the news of King Von’s d3ath broke, the hip-hop community was …

Taesha’s tributes extend beyond the cemetery; in 2025, she wore a “Long Live King Von” jersey for a heartfelt homage, stunning observers with her poise amid grief. “A mother’s love never fades,” she posted on social media after one visit, accompanied by photos that captured her strength.

Von’s death at 26, stemming from a shootout outside an Atlanta nightclub, shocked the hip-hop world and sparked conversations about violence in drill music. Taesha has advocated for peace, using her platform to urge young people to choose different paths. “He was more than the streets; he was my son, a father, an artist,” she said in a recent interview. Von left behind a daughter, True Bennett, who has also paid emotional tributes, including Father’s Day messages that echo her grandmother’s pain.

facebook.com

King Von’s mom paying tribute to her son

As 2026 begins, Taesha’s ritual serves as a beacon for those grieving lost loved ones. Psychologists note such traditions aid healing, providing structure amid chaos. For Taesha, it’s a way to keep Von’s spirit close. “No matter how much time passes, I’ll always come back,” she shared. The cemetery, a quiet expanse in suburban Alsip, has become a pilgrimage site for fans, who leave balloons, jerseys, and notes bearing LLKV.

In a city scarred by loss, Taesha Bennett’s story resonates deeply. Her New Year’s visits remind us that behind the headlines and hits lies a human tale of love, loss, and legacy. As she walked away from the grave that cold January morning, one thing was clear: King Von’s light, through his mother’s unwavering devotion, continues to shine.

youtube.com

Visiting King Von’s Gravesite on His Birthday