Reality stars are reacting to the shocking death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday that claimed nine lives. He was just 41.
Upon news of Kobe’s death Sunday morning, fans and celebrities alike began posting moving tributes to the star athlete. Among them were heartfelt condolences from a number of reality television personalities. Keeping Up With the Kardashians star Kim Kardashian West published a photo to Instagram of Kobe gently kissing his daughter’s forehead. She captioned it with sympathy for Bryant’s widow Vanessa, as well as the Altobelli family who lost several family members as well. Along with Kardashian’s post, her sister Kylie Jenner posted her own sad words. With a picture of Kobe and Gianna -also known as Gigi -embracing one another, Jenner noted that she was at a loss for words and would be praying for the family.
Other stars have since chimed in with touching remembrances of the Lakers phenom. Shaquille O’Neill, who was Bryant’s teammate and dear friend wrote: “There are no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my niece Gigi and my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you, and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. I’M SICK RIGHT NOW!” while Dwyane Wade’s tribute spoke to his shock at the news: “Noooooooooo God please, no!” Kris Jenner, whose family has strong ties to the NBA, noted, “Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe’s family at this time.”
As news of Kobe’s death made its way through Hollywood, many celebrities also took the time to pay tribute to their fallen hero at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. Singer Lizzo opened the show by dedicating the night to him and then performing her hit “Cuz I Love You.” Host Alicia Keys took to the stage with Boyz II Men and serenaded Kobe and the other victims with the hit, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” Their tribute ended with a quick shot of Kobe’s retired jerseys with No.8 and No. 24 hanging overhead at the show’s venue, the Staples Center.
Kobe Bryant’s death is one that has resonated throughout Los Angeles, as well as the rest of the country. Although his legacy is polarizing for some, no one can challenge the heartbreaking disruption of a beautiful family that seemed close-knit, loving and supportive. In tragedies like this one, it can be hard to make sense of the reason why this would happen. Instead of asking that question, fans should take solace in Kobe and Gianna leaving this earth together, in pursuit of an activity they both loved: basketball. They were able to bond and spend lots of quality time together as father and daughter. That’s how they should be remembered.
