Vanessa Bryant Tribute To Kobe Bryant And Daughter At Staples Center

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

This Monday Vanessa Bryant reappeared before the public to say goodbye to her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, who died on January 26 in a terrible helicopter accident in which seven more people lost their lives.

With tremendous aplomb, the Mexican American took the stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to dedicate a heartbreaking speech to an audience of more than 20,000 people that included basketball legends Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Saquille O'Neal, and whose musical part was shockingly opened by Beyoncé. By the way, behind the scenes the singer was caught comforting Vanessa Bryant:

"Thank you all for being here, this means a lot to us," said the mother of three daughters and now a widow, 37, all dressed in black, trying to suppress crying. "The displays of love and support for our family from around the world have been very comforting."

"My dear baby," Vanessa continued, trying to keep her composure and with a broken voice. “Gianna Bryant was an incredibly sweet girl with a gentle spirit. She was always very considerate. She was daddy's little daughter but she always loved her mommy. She was one of my best friends."

In her speech, the bereaved mother praised the academic and sporting virtues of her daughter, who despite her young age was a young basketball promise.

As for her husband, Vanessa Bryant emphasized her virtues, especially as a father and that they have been well documented. "I want my daughters to know the incredible person, husband and father that he was," she said of the admired player they called Black Mamba. "He taught valuable lessons about life and sports … we are so grateful for those lessons and stories that he left us."

"[Gigi and Kobe] gravitated towards each other. They were funny, happy fools and loved life, "Bryant continued when closing his speech. God knows they couldn't be on this Earth without each other. He had to take them both together to his home in Heaven. Honey, take care of our Gigi… we are still the best team”, he pointed out.

The legendary LA Lakers player and five-time NBA champion is survived by his parents and three daughters: Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, seven months old. Rest in peace.