Vanessa Bryant brought down the world with her speech at the memorial held for her beloved husband and daughter, Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Friends, family, fellow team-mates and the world gathered to witness the memorial hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Stars were not only stunned but the emotional ceremony was tough for viewers around the globe. Here is the low down on the saddest event of the year.
Vanessa Bryant Leaves The World In Tears
The memorial held at Staples Center hosted everyone from Kim Kardashian West, Stephen Curry to J-Lo and Dwayne Wade. Kobe’s parents and Gianna’s grandparents were, of course, in attendance too. The emotion witnessed and stillness of the crowd was enough for us to feel the pain of the individuals through the screen. Beyonce opened the ceremony with an unbelievable and heartfelt performance, mainly directed at Vanessa Bryant- as she sang Halo and Kobe’s favorite XO amongst others in a somber tone. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the event and was brought to tears almost from the moment he took the podium- remembering all those that were lost in the tragic helicopter crash.
However, it was Vanessa Bryant that left the stadium and world distraught. Vanessa took to the podium with absolute grace as she thanked everyone for attending and joining to commemorate her loved ones. Vanessa started by addressing her daughter Gianna- she discussed her qualities, joyous personality and love for family and sports. Vanessa often referred to Gianna in the present tense which conveyed utter pain, pain which no mother should ever have to feel. She continued to address Kobe who was the love of her life, best friend and husband. Vanessa discussed how she had known Kobe since she was 17 and the pair had been inseparable, Kobe was a dedicated and historical Laker legend, yes, but he was a father that always sowed up and empowered his four daughters in all that he did. Kobe and Gianna gravitated towards one another and the pair were so similar and shared an undeniably close relationship. It was the ending of Vanessa’s speech that truly brought us all to tears as she said, “They were so full of joy and adventure. God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to him together. Babe, you take care of our Gigi. And I got Nani, B.B. and Koko. We’re still the best team.”
Speeches were made by Shaquille O’Neil, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Diana Taurasi the White Mamba- one of Kobe’s protege’s. Each and every speech was so sincere and heartfelt as it discussed not only a legend but a remarkable human to all of those around him. The impact Kobe Bryant made will forever be remembered and his legacy lives on through his wife and daughters. Gianna strived for change in the WNBA and there is no doubt she has already made an impact and her family will continue to strive for change in her honor.
