All The Best Moments From Kobe & Gianna Bryant’s Memorial Service
Fittingly the memorial service for Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant was held today on February 24th, or 2/24.
If you were unable to watch today’s memorial, don’t worry, we collected some of the best moments and highlights from the ceremony.
The memorial service opened with a two-song performance by Beyoncé.
Then the master of ceremonies, Jimmy Kimmel delivered his own personal eulogy for Kobe, Gianna, and the seven other people who tragically perished on the helicopter on January 26th, 2020.
Surprisingly, Jimmy then introduced Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant as the first speaker of the day, and despite the pain she must’ve been numb with, she pushed through and delivered two beautiful eulogies. One for her beautiful little girl, and another for her soul mate.
No one can begin to imagine what she’s gone through, but what she hit us with was perfect.
After she finished, she was helped off the stage by Michael Jordan which made for one of the most touching images of the day.
Next up was WNBA great Diana Taurasi, a.k.a. The White Mamba – a nickname Kobe gave her. She spoke and, in a much-needed moment of levity, made a point to rib LeBron.
Alicia Keys, who hosted the GRAMMYs on the day Kobe passed away, was asked to perform Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” which was one of Kobe’s favorite songs, and song Rob Pelinka referenced in his speech.
Then Shaquille O’Neal took the podium and, of course, went full Shaq in his story about Kobe. Be careful, the language is NSFW.
And arguably one of the greatest moments of the entire day was when the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan walked up to share some words, and in doing so, shared a hilarious Crying Jordan meme joke.
I can’t believe it. Michael Jordan has become self-aware. This of course came moments after this tweet, because it truly was a moving experience seeing Michael Jordan – a guy who rarely speaks publicly – get up and talk about Kobe Bryant.
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Watch any of the other full speeches below.
Diana Taurasi – WNBA great
Sabrina Ionescu – Oregon Ducks
Geno Auriemma – UConn Women Huskies head basketball coach
Rob Pelinka – Kobe’s best friend and former agent, Lakers current General Manager
Michael Jordan – the GOAT
Shaquille O’Neal – former Lakers center, Kobe’s teammate, aspiring rapper