Celebrity News January 26, 2020
Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods & 50 More Celebrities React to Kobe Bryant's Death
Legendary basketball star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died Sunday in the fiery crash of his private helicopter in Calabasas, California.
As news spread, celebrities began to express their grief on social media, lauding Kobe for his talents, his good works, and how much they admired him personally.
Kobe Bryant: An Icon Remembered
View StoryFellow basketball icon Michael Jordan said, in a statement, "I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing. Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world."
Tiger Woods, still in shock, spoke of his reaction to Kobe's death, which he heard about right after a round of golf:
Tiger Woods reacts to the news of Kobe Bryant's death shortly after finishing his round on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/veQV7WYgE8
@GOLFonCBS
In a statement to "Extra," Bill Clinton said, "Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all those who died in today's helicopter crash. Kobe brought excitement and joy to basketball fans not just in Los Angeles, but all over the U.S. and around the world. He was also a leader off the court, including in his advocacy for young people, especially the vulnerable and homeless — a passion I saw firsthand when I joined him and Vanessa for the opening of a housing project they and their foundation supported. Kobe Bryant lived a very large life in a very short time. But above all, he loved his family. Our prayers are with Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and all those who lost loved ones today."
Former Laker Girl Paula Abdul tweeted, "I am completely speechless and devastated at the unexpected passing of my dear friend, @kobebryant. Kobe had a big heart and an even bigger love for the community of Los Angeles. Through his foundation, he changed the lives of so many people and families with his wife, Vanessa."
Shaquille O'Neal wrote on Instagram, "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !"
Kanye West, posting a vintage shot of himself with Kobe in a recording studio, tweeted, "Kobe, We love you brother We're praying for your family and appreciate the life you've lived and all the inspiration you gave."
Luke Evans wrote on Instagram, "This is extremely painful to read about Kobe and his daughter Gianna. I met the great man once and he was the most charming dynamic person. Rest in peace! My thoughts and prayers go to all the families including Gianna's team mate and their parent and the pilot. A very sad day. Life is so very fragile and precious. 🙏🏼"
Calabasas local Melissa Etheridge tweeted, "I'm devastated. Right down the street. My heart goes out to the family and all of us. #legend #KobeBryant."
Kevin Hart wrote on Instagram, "This honestly doesn't make sense....I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru this unbearable time. We love you forever man...Legends never die!!!! #MambaMentality #RIP.... RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families. 🙏🏾."
Lil Nas X tweeted his shock, following it up with, "rip :(" and "sending love to those grieving."
"Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill, who handed Bryant his Oscar in 2018, tweeted, "His legend will live forever. #RIPKobeByrant 💔."
Marie Osmond tweeted a selfie with Kobe, writing, "What sudden & tragic news. We just lost one of the greatest players of all time. Hold your loved ones close! Prayers for #KobeBryant's family 🙏♥️."
Kris Jenner offered on Instagram, "Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe's family at this time. 💔🙏🏼."
Kris' daughter Kylie tweeted, "at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family."
Danny Trejo, who appeared in the Nike spots directed by Robert Rodriguez with Bryant, tweeted, "I will always remember the kindness of the black mamba."
Several celebrities — including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Halle Berry and Gigi Hadid — posted touching black-and-white images of the late dad and daughter along with their sentiments.
The Rock, who recently lost his dad, wrote, "Love is forever."
Halle Berry posted on Instagram the caption, "There are no real words to convey the depth of my sadness. Love and strength to Kobe's entire family and to the families of all who were lost in today's crash."
Model Gigi Hadid took to Instagram to write, "This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and all the families affected by this tragedy."
More reactions:
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
@BarackObama
I will remember Kobe as a basketball legend,a father& a man. Watching him&Gigi share their relationship with us is something I won't ever forget. My heart aches for his wife, children& family. I hope the waves of love being sent to his family can ease some of the pain they feel.
@Kaepernick7
I was holding out hoping that it wasn't true ! Lord his daughter too. #kobebryant #giannabryant https://t.co/Nuncyzq5mo
@IAMJHUD
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My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can't fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
@taylorswift13
My 818 buddies and I all sick over Kobe.
@hitRECordJoe
“Days are not promised,” said Jason. And he's right. Grateful to be alive.
Warmth and comfort to all with lost loved ones...
💛💜
Devastated!!!! 💔. May Gods spirit be with his family and all the the families of all the souls lost in this terrible tragedy.. #kobebryant 🙏🏾 https://t.co/VHKMaivMkN
@CedEntertainer
A true gladiator in our life time. You will be forever embedded in our memories, our childrens memories, and generations to come. @kobebryant
@wyclef
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
@TomBrady
Nooooooooooo God please No!
@DwyaneWade
Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
@kaj33
RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family
@WhoopiGoldberg
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I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
@chrissyteigen
It's not no telling what you gone wake up to nowadays
@MeekMill
Absolutely gutted. Kobe was a really good friend and I can't imagine a world without him. My heart absolutely breaks for Vanessa and his daughters. There are no words. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌥
@oliviamunn
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
@johnlegend
Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .💔An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.
@ReeseW
Like everyone, I'm stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
@TheEllenShow
Kobe literally just broke the internet.
@jfreewright
Life is just so beyond our capacity to control. May his loved ones and those of all who perished find peace.
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
@mindykaling
Today we @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant...a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process....
@RobertIger
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
@nickjonas
My hometown of Los Angeles has lost a sports legend, Kobe Bryant, who was killed along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash today. My heart is with their family on the news of this tragic accident.
@GeorgeTakei
My💔Goes Out To Kobe's Family,Friends,Fans. It's SO HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR,Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally.Kobe Bryant Was a GREAT ATHLETE,& All Of America Will Feel His Loss.
@cher
The 🌎 Has Lost a Bright Light ✨🌟✨.
Please don't let this be True. I'm shaking 💔
@khloekardashian
RIP Kobe! My thoughts and prayers are wirh your family.
@octaviaspencer
He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
@jimmykimmel
Same. This is just...💔#RIPKobeBryant
@YNB
I'm telling y'all life is short and it is NOT about what we think it is.
Get right. Do right. Be right.
Love folks.
Love is it.
Love is all we've got.
Our love is all that will remain when we're gone.
Especially when we're gone too soon. https://t.co/5Imz4rbfXX
Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California. That is terrible news!
@realDonaldTrump
completely numb. RIP kobe bryant. praying for your family 🙏🏽❤️
@chloexhalle
Oh my god 💔💔💔 ... I cant believe it... 🙏🏽 this is so devastating.
@jessicaalba
Jesus this is heartbreaking.
@Trevornoah
RIP KOBE , SO SAD , SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS , WE LOVE U
@asvpxrocky
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So so sad!!! RIP #kobebryant he was always so gracious! Prayers for his family 🙏🏽💔 https://t.co/SO6wQtqVPX
@GarcelleB
Watch "Extra's" past interviews with Kobe below.