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The celebration of life service for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna is being held this morning at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Marc Lamont Hill and Jemele Hill are hosting the BET coverage of the remembrance of the Lakers legend who died last month in a helicopter crash. The network will be streaming coverage of the service in honor of the NBA superstar and his 13-year-old daughter who also tragically died on January 26 along with seven others.
READ MORE: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gigi laid to rest in private ceremony
Today we remember the legacy of Kobe Bryant and celebrate the life of his daughter Gianna Bryant. Hosted by Marc Lamont Hill and Jemele Hill. Mamba and Mambacita forever. #BETRemembers #Kobe #Gianna #ForKobeandGigi #KobeFarwell?? https://t.co/Ka5Q3sO2NL
— BET (@BET) February 24, 2020
? 2.24.20 ? pic.twitter.com/IW3KBU5b2w
— STAPLES Center (@STAPLESCenter) February 24, 2020
The service is expected to begin shortly where Vanessa Bryant and her daughters are expected to attend.
More than 20,000 people, friends, and family, are expected at the Staples Center where Kobe played many games during his illustrious NBA career. The ticketed proceeds will benefit the newly renamed Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Beyoncé opened the ceremony belting her song “XO”.
“I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs.”
Beyoncé stopped and then encouraged the crowd to sing along with her. The Grammy winner then segued into a stirring performance of “Halo”. Vanessa was then seen in the audience clapping.
A montage of Kobe was then shown of him encouraging people to follow their dreams.
Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live, took to the podium, to speak the names of the lives who were lost that fateful day: Bryant, 41, Gianna, 13, Payton Chester, 13; Sarah Chester, 45; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; Christina Mauser, 38; and the helicopter’s pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50.
Kimmel broke down crying as he remembered Kobe and the others who died. Kimmel spoke of gratitude, grateful for the time they had with those whose lives were lost and the time everyone still had with each other. He invited everyone to take a moment to shake hands with the person next to then.
A “Kobe” chant then broke out. Kimmel then introduced Vanessa. Kobe’s widow received a thunderous ovation and she began to speak of her “thoughtful” daughter, Gigi.
“Gianna made us all proud, and she still does. Gianna never tried to conform. She was always herself. She was a nice person, a leader…She had so much swag and rhythm since she was a baby,” Vanessa eulogized.
Vanessa then began to speak of her “soulmate” Kobe, reminiscing of the good times they shared together.
“I couldn’t see him as a celebrity nor just an incredible basketball player. He was my sweet husband…he was my everything…Kobe loved me more than I could ever express or put into words,” she said.
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