Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna "Gigi" Bryant were tragically
killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
Seven other people perished in the accident alongside the pair.
The tragedy devastated millions around the globe, but it's the basketball star's wife,
Vanessa Bryant, who has arguably suffered the most, having lost a daughter and a husband
all at once.
Amid Vanessa's pain, she managed to put together a memorial service for the father-daughter
duo on February 24th, 2020, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The mom-of-four chose this date because 2 is Gigi's basketball jersey number, 24 is
Kobe's, and 20 signifies how many years they were married.
An unbelievable number of fans attended the "A Celebration of Life" ceremony, as well
as fellow accomplished athletes and famous people who love the Bryant family.
And given the circumstances, one can imagine how emotional this event was for anyone who
attended or watched the live stream online.
Beyoncé surprised fans at Kobe and Gianna Bryant's memorial service when she opened
with her 2013 single, "XO."
Before kicking off the rendition, the singer told the audience:
"I'm here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs."
The singer then transitioned into an emotional version of "Halo," a performance she put on
in front of a choir all dressed in white.
Beyoncé - who sported purple nails and jewelry to pair with her yellow outfit in an apparent
nod to the Lakers' colors - ended the song by blowing a kiss up to the sky.
Beyoncé was a longtime friend of Kobe.
Not only did Kobe take his daughters to Queen Bey's concerts throughout the years, but he
also had a cameo in Destiny's Child's music video for their 1999 hit, "Bug a Boo."
And after the crash, the Texas native captioned a shot of Kobe and Gigi on her Instagram:
"I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens.
You are deeply missed beloved Kobe."
Of course, it goes without saying Vanessa Bryant's speeches about Kobe and Gigi were
special beyond measure.
The California native started off by memorializing Gigi, who she remembered as a beautiful young
girl with a kind spirit.
"She was tender and loving on the inside.
She had the best laugh."
Vanessa also took a beat to speak about her daughter's athleticism and, heartbreakingly,
to reflect on some of the moments they'd never get to share.
"I won't be able to tell her how gorgeous she looks on her wedding day."
As for Kobe, his wife described him as her soulmate.
"I was his first girlfriend, his first love, his wife, his best friend, his confidant,
and his protector."
Vanessa ended her speeches by asking Kobe to take care of Gigi, while she promised to
be there for their other three children.
Kobe Bryant touched many lives on and off the basketball court, especially where it
concerned WNBA stars Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu.
Kobe, who was a champion of women's basketball, became even more invested in the WNBA when
Gianna Bryant began to show great promise as a future member of the league.
This wasn't lost on either player, as Oregon Ducks champion Ionescu implored everyone in
attendance to strive to continue Kobe's legacy:
"Shine for us, for our sport where he once did.
Invest in us with the same passion and drive and respect and love as he did his own daughter."
Four-time Olympic medalist Taurasi commended Gianna's grit, skill, and fearless mentality:
"She represents a time where a young girl doesn't need permission to play, her skill
would command respect."
Michael Jordan also took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech about his friend Kobe,
touching on the fact that the two were often compared to one another throughout their illustrious
basketball careers.
But as Jordan noted in his tearful speech:
"Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted
to talk about Kobe."
The athlete emotionally went on to discuss how the Lakers great was like a little brother
to him, joking how he'd often receive late-night texts from his protege.
"It was a nuisance, if I can say that word.
But that nuisance turned into love over a period of time."
It was unbelievably touching to hear Jordan reminisce about Kobe, but it was the conclusion
to his speech that left many in tears.
"When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died."
"Please, rest in peace, little brother."