February 24th was a sad day for Vanessa Bryant during the memorial service of her late husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna. Vanessa was, however, not left alone in her sorrows, and celebrities came out to honor the legend and her daughter, and as well console the basketball star’s family.
During the memorial service held at Staple’s Center in Los Angeles, Vanessa paid an emotional tribute to her husband and daughter amid tears from stars present and family, including her mom Sofia.
Her speech began by remembering Gianna, who, according to her, was destined to become a WNBA star. The sadness of a mother who will never see her loving daughter’s dreams come to pass was evident in the way Vanessa described Gianna’s humor, determination, and work ethic.
Vanessa recounted how Gianna loved her youngest sister and the tradition she had developed, of kissing her mom goodbye every day before heading for school. Her sorrow stretched to the hopes of a mother seeing her daughter tie the knots, describing how sad she was that she would never see Gianna in a wedding dress.
Kobe Bryant was close to Gianna going by the number of times had been seen together on the pitch. Their passion for basketball was perhaps their most significant unifying factor, although the father-daughter love was still at play.
Vanessa described the two as people who loved life and were funny, happy, and silly. They were full of fun and adventures, and God knew they had to be together and took them in heaven that way. She urged Kobe to take care of Gianna, while she remains looking after their other three daughters.
While Kobe’s friends took the stage to honor the legend with speeches, Beyoncé, and Alicia Keys brought in their musical talents. Beyoncé’s performance received praise from fans over her decision to switch the lyrics ‘crashing into you’ for ‘laughing into you’ from her 2013 hit song XO.
The track was allegedly Kobe’s favorite, and the 38-year-old songstress decided to swap the lyrics to avoid triggering the mourners. Kobe died alongside his daughter Gianna on January 26th, in a helicopter crash with seven others.
Beyoncé gave a beautiful opening song performance at the Kobe Bryant memorial service. #KobeFarewell #RIPGIANNA #Beyonce pic.twitter.com/FuC622c17p
— GoreJust Goth (@gorejustgoth) February 24, 2020
Michael Jordan was one of Kobe’s closest friends, and she had a moment to honor the fallen friend during the service. According to Michael, a part of his died when the legend died. His words were quite moving, and left Vanessa in tears.
However, Beyoncé who sat close to the bereaved wife and mother stretched her arm towards Vanessa’s in solace. The Los Angeles Lakers team was live-streaming the event, and in a good position to capture Beyoncé’s considerate action.
Beyoncé comforting Vanessa is…just too much https://t.co/wfdmKGEoJL
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 24, 2020
