The death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant shocked the entire world, especially the sports and entertainment community that followed his career for two decades.
Below are some reactions to his death and tributes from celebrities around the world.
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Barack Obama
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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
Reaction of Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods reflects on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/t4F2Sqj57Z
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020
Tom Brady
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Whoopi Goldberg
RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) January 26, 2020
Reaction from Michael Jordan
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020
Reaction from LeBron James
LeBron is met with emotional hugs after landing in Los Angeles following the death of Kobe Bryant.
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
(via NBC4 Los Angeles) pic.twitter.com/Fx9jt2qZVi
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Shaquille O’Neal
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Magic Johnson
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Paul Pierce
This is not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020
Tony Parker
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
Jimmy Kimmel
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
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
Justin Verlander
No words... Absolutely heartbroken for Kobe’s family. #RIPKobe
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) January 26, 2020
Hoda Kotb
Life is a blink. RIP Kobe. 💔
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) January 26, 2020
Baker Mayfield
Kobe you were my idol... period. Mentality through and through. Thank you. To your family, I wish y’all nothing but the very best. Prayers and thoughts with you don’t begin to describe what we want for y’all. Love and respect to #8 & #24 forever. #MambaMentality #Mamba
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) January 26, 2020
Ryan Seacrest
No words for the shocking and devastating news about Kobe Bryant. Absolutely heartbroken for his family.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) January 26, 2020
Pharrell Williams
The world lost a giant today
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
So hearing the news about Kobe Bryant’s death completely broke my heart... not because we lost a champion which he definitely will always be... but because his family lost a husband, father & son!! We often use… https://t.co/yExc7iCZqb
— Keshia K Pulliam (@peachespulliam) January 26, 2020
Shane Battier
No one pushed me more. No one. I’m appreciative of our battles, Kobe, I am sad I will never get the chance to tell you that in person. RIP.
— Shane Battier (@ShaneBattier) January 26, 2020
Patrick Mahomes
Man not Kobe... Prayers to his family and friends! #RIPMamba
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 26, 2020
J.J. Watt
Can’t be true.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2020
Just can’t be.
Truly truly horrific.
Rest In Peace Kobe.
Spurs-Raptors each take 24-second violations in paying tribute to Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
The Spurs and Raptors both take 24 second violations in honor of Kobe Bryant while the crowd chants “KOBE!”
— Kenny Beecham (@KOT4Q) January 26, 2020
🐍 pic.twitter.com/MQqgJknfqf
Mark Cuban
We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020
Soccer star Neymar paying tribute to Kobe after a goal
🇧🇷 Pure class from Neymar. Even if you're not a big fan of the Brazilian, this gesture is absolutely top class.
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) January 26, 2020
Huge respect. Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant. 🌹🙌 pic.twitter.com/7HswgyyBmb
Kanye West
Kobe, We love you brother
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
Soccer star Luis Suarez
Rest in peace KOBE BRYANT and all the victims who have passed away in that tragic accident and give all my condolences to family and friends😌🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5wecXPdmaS
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) January 26, 2020
Shannon Sharpe
NO NO NO NO KOBE!!!!!!! PLEASE BE A DREAM. KOBE CAN’T BE GONE😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) January 26, 2020
Toni Braxton
Praying for these two, and Vanessa and the girls...for the rest of the victims. I can’t put words together I am a mess. I can only imagine what The Bryants are going through. RIP Kobe and Gianna. 🤎 pic.twitter.com/fnPBmeZVmS
— Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) January 26, 2020
Viola Davis
My heart goes out to Vanessa. Completely devastating. I know how much he LOVED his family and children! Just devastating.... God bless Kobe and Gianna and family. Heartbroken! pic.twitter.com/K4689SUxrx
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 26, 2020
Alex Ovechkin
I’m so heartbroken. cant believe...Blessed to have chance to meet you. RIP Legend. 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/TlpRZdVpu7
— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) January 26, 2020