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The City of Angels is crying: Kobe Bryant prematurely gained his wings. The Los Angeles Lakers legend and future Hall of Famer died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, and everyone in the league was caught off guard by his sudden passing.
However, the basketball world wasn't the only place affected by Kobe's departure. Plenty of celebrities–many of whom are also basketball fans–were equally saddened by the news of his death.
Ellen DeGeneres, who had Kobe Bryant as a guest on her show a couple of times, extended her sincere condolences.
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) January 26, 2020
Beloved Hollywood couple Christine Teigen and John Legend expressed their devastation at the news that Kobe Bryant had died.
Downtown right now and nothing feels more unimportant than what we are doing today. This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb.
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god.
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 26, 2020
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
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
Khloe Kardashian, who was in a relationship with Kobe's former teammate Lamar Odom, was also shaken by the news. Kim Kardashian extended her condolences as well. Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner also shared her disbelief at the news, sharing a picture of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi.
Please don’t let this be True. I’m shaking 💔
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
This can’t be real 💔💔💔💔 there’s no way!!! My heart hurts
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) January 26, 2020
My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through. This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and her baby girl. I cry just thinking about it. pic.twitter.com/U3osyw6Pzu
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) January 27, 2020
I don’t have the words. Every ounce of my heart is with you, Vanessa. 💔 pic.twitter.com/H2b3af2Ft4
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) January 26, 2020
Kanye West, a global icon in his own right and the husband of Kim Kardashian, shared a picture of him with Kobe Bryant in a studio. He expressed his love for the Laker icon.
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https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1221558611320528896
Singers Bruno Mars, Pink, Lizzo, and Ciara grieved the passing of Kobe Bryant.
Kobe was a real life super hero on that court & I’m sure he was one to his family. Sending love and prayers to them. This is heartbreaking.
— Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) January 26, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zHiUfJZTe/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7y_R3SBke8/
This news is heartbreaking. I am lost for words. Praying for Vanessa and the Bryant family at this sad and difficult time. Rest In Paradise Young Legend. Heaven has gained another angel. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/kkRwtXa5Yc
— Ciara (@ciara) January 26, 2020
Mariah Carey, one of the most recognizable divas in the world, was also taken aback by Kobe Bryant's death.
In shock right now. RIP Kobe 😢
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 26, 2020
Stephen King refused to believe that Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players to ever wear a Lakers jersey, went ahead of him.
Kobe gone? No, no, no, no, no.
No.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 26, 2020
The Rock had a simple message to everyone trying to make sense of everything that is happening.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zGwollh_4/
Bryant had 20 successful years with the Purple and Gold, winning five NBA championships in the process. His basketball story was one fit for a movie: he first won trophies as a sidekick to Shaquille O'Neal, struggled to win on his own, finally got two more rings to cement his legacy, and finish on his terms with a stylish 60-point farewell in his last game.
He's a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer, but fans would be devastated to know that Kobe Bryant wouldn't be making his Hall of Fame speech. However, the league will surely pay tribute whatever way they can to one of the game's best.
