logo
Youtube.com/Entertainment Tonight
Youtube.com/Entertainment Tonight

Jimmy Kimmel Fought Back Tears during His Emotional Speech at Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s Memorial

Afouda Fortune
Feb 25, 2020
01:17 P.M.

Jimmy Kimmel visibly struggled to stop the tears from flowing during his tribute at the celebration of life for Kobe Bryant.

Advertisement

During the celebration of life for the late Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, Jimmy Kimmel played the role of MC.

Jimmy Kimmel attends an evening with Jimmy Kimmel at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on August 07, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel attends an evening with Jimmy Kimmel at Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on August 07, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

According to People, he had to lead the initial tribute at the emotional event which held at the Staples Center.

The media outlet had first shared a video of Jimmy’s speech, which showed the 52-year-old physically struggle to hold back his tears as he spoke.

While the host and executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” noted that Kobe and Gianna “were, by all accounts, so full of life,” he also stated that he had “been trying to come up with something positive to take away from this.”

Advertisement

Next, Michael Jordan had taken his place on the stage, and just like Jimmy, the basketballer had a difficult time controlling his emotions.

The 57-year-old stated that many people were surprised about his close friendship with Kobe as they always preferred to make comparisons between them.

Michael added that their friendship had grown as they got to know more about each other and that he and wanted to be the best big brother to his late friend.

Advertisement

The atmosphere at the packed-out Staples Center went up a notch when Alicia Keys climbed the stage.

According to People, the “No One” singer had performed Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 14,” which is more known as the “Moonlight Sonata.”

Advertisement

Alicia’s performance wasn’t only done in honor of Kobe’s love for classical music, but to also pay tribute to him teaching himself how to play the classic song years before to romance his wife, Vanessa.

As expected, Vanessa had also mounted the stage to thank people for their love, support, and prayers since her husband and daughter passed away almost a month ago.

Advertisement

As reported by Pop Culture, the mother-of-four tearfully stated that she missed looking at her daughter’s face.

Until her death, Gianna had had plans of playing college and professional basketball and Vanessa was certain that her late daughter would have made it happen.

Vanessa went on to talk about her late husband, whom she referred to as her “soulmate,” as she stated that he was the best man, husband, and father.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

At Wife's Funeral, Widower Meets His Stepdaughter's Twin He Never Knew Existed — Story of the Day

February 02, 2022

Girl Loses Father She Was Very Close To, Keeps Getting Letters from Him for 5 Years

April 28, 2022

Steven Curtis Chapman Defied Wife's Wishes by Adopting Daughter Who Was Killed by His Son's Car 5 Years Later

April 25, 2022

Inside Tom Hanks & Wife of 33 Years Rita Wilson's Relationship with Their Biracial Granddaughter

April 29, 2022

Michael J Fox Was ‘Isolating’ Himself From Wife of 34 Years & Kids - She Helped Him to Become Part Of Family Again

March 19, 2022

George Jones Went Silent before Death – He Managed to Say His Last Words to Wife Who Once ‘Saved’ Him

March 25, 2022

John Travolta's Late Wife Kelly Got Pregnant at 47 & Risked Her Life to Carry Her 'Miracle' Baby

April 14, 2022

Jimmy Carter's Wife of 75 Years 'Fell in Love with a Photograph of Him' Yet Denied His Proposal at First

April 07, 2022

Tom Petty’s Wife Said She Was Bullied & Sued by Stepdaughters after She Saved Tom’s Life

March 30, 2022

Old Man Goes to Visit Daughter for His 80th Birthday, She Doesn't Let Him Enter Her House – Story of the Day

August 30, 2023

Lionel Richie Saw Nicole, 2, on Stage and Promised to Never Leave Her - The Adoption Process Lasted 5 Years

February 19, 2022

Kenny Rogers Gave up on Being 1st Child's Dad & Did Not Want to Have Kids with His 5th Wife

May 23, 2022

Michael Bublé's Wife of 11 Years Thought He Was Gay When They Met Yet He Fell in Love at 1st Sight

May 06, 2022

Christie Brinkley’s Daughter Was 'Crying All Day' Amid Break up Before Meeting a Man She Dedicated a Song To

March 05, 2022