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JENNIFER LOPEZ
Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala – Met Gala – Camp: Notes on Fashion – Arrivals – New York City, U.S. – May 6, 2019 – Jennifer Lopez. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Jennifer Lopez
91st Annual Academy Awards Arrivals at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on February 24, 2019. (Photo credit should read P. Lehman / Barcroft Images / Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 24: Jennifer Lopez attends the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Tony Barson/FilmMagic)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 09: Jennifer Lopez visits “The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show” at the Z100 Studio on April 09, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 14: Jennifer Lopez is seen arriving to the set of ‘Un Nuevo Dia’ at Telemundo Center to promote the film ‘Second Act’ on December 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Jennifer Lopez attends the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)
Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez attends the 2019 CFDA Awards where she will be receiving the Fashion Icon Award at The Brooklyn Museum in New York, U.S., June 3, 2019. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
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Jennifer Lopez has vowed to “appreciate every single moment” following the death of Kobe Bryant.
The 50-year-old singer has pledged to show those close to her how much she “loves” them as often as possible, as she’s been reminded of how “fragile life is” following the tragic passing of the NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who were among nine people killed when his private helicopter crashed in Calabasas over the weekend.
Jennifer spoke about the news during a press conference in Miami on Thursday (30.01.20), which was held ahead of Sunday’s (02.02.20) Super Bowl, where Jennifer will co-headline the half-time show alongside Shakira.
She said: “Alex [Rodriguez, her fiancé] came to me with tears in his eyes, and he’s like, ‘You’re not going to believe what happened.’ He was devastated. He knew Kobe really well. They kind of came up together, entered sports around the same time, and he was just devastated. I knew Kobe and Vanessa more in passing. He had come to my last show in Vegas – the both of them – as a date night and we had a beautiful night that night.
“I think it’s affecting everybody so much because it’s just reminding us, again, how fragile life is and how we have to appreciate every single moment and how we have to love people while they’re here and not wait. And how we don’t get the opportunity – it can be taken away from us so easily.”
Related Slideshow: Famous people react to Kobe Bryant’s death (Provided by Photo Services)
One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, U.S., on Jan. 26, 2020. He was 41. Eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, died in the crash. They were en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, when the accident happened. Many famous personalities, including politicians and sportspersons, expressed their grief on social media. Take a look at some of them.
Shaquille O’Neal, former basketball player
“There’s no words to express the pain Im (sic) 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”
– via Twitter
Barack Obama, former US president
“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 [Bryant’s wife] and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
– via Twitter
Donald Trump, US president
“Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating… Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”
– via Twitter
Whoopi Goldberg, actor
“RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family”
– via Twitter
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former basketball player
“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.”
– via Twitter
Tom Brady, American football player
“We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼”
– via Twitter
Ben Affleck, actor
“My thoughts and prayers are with Kobe Bryant’s family, and the families of all those involved. Today reminds us just how short and precious life is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate life while we can. Rest In Peace Mamba.”
– via Twitter
Pharrell Williams, singer-songwriter
“The world lost a giant today Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.”
– via Twitter
Ryan Seacrest, radio personality
“No words for the shocking and devastating news about Kobe Bryant. Absolutely heartbroken for his family.”
“He was a legend on the court and a hero to the LA community. He inspired us with his hard work, family values, and Mamba Mentality – to be better today than you were yesterday.”
– via Twitter
Kanye West, rapper
“Kobe, We love you brother We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave”
– via Twitter
Viola Davis, actor
“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!”
– via Twitter
Luis Suarez, football player
“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😌🙏🏻”
– via Twitter
Jimmy Kimmel, television personality
“He was great, charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever, but what impressed me most was how deeply involved Kobe was with his four daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers’ families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe”
– via Twitter
Justin Verlander, baseball player
“No words… Absolutely heartbroken for Kobe’s family. #RIPKobe”
– via Twitter
Saquon Barkley, American football player
“My father never allowed me to idolized any man… but Kobe is someone who I idolize and has helped me become the person I am today and the man I hope to be! #mambamentality🐍 #forever”
– via Instagram
John Legend, singer-songwriter
“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”
– via Twitter
Megan Rapinoe, football player
“Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant”
– via Twitter
Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter
“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.”
– via Twitter
Ellen DeGeneres, television personality and comedian
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.”
– via Twitter
Billie Jean King, former tennis player
“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @kobebryant, as well as to the entire Lakers family. This is a horrible tragedy. Kobe was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. May he Rest In Peace.”
– via Twitter
Maria Sharapova, tennis player
“Kobe and Gigi💔 This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family.”
– via Twitter
Sachin Tendulkar, former cricket player
“Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant”
– via Twitter
Novak Djokovic, tennis player
“My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend”
– via Twitter
Cristiano Ronaldo, football player
“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend💔”
– via Twitter
Rafael Nadal, tennis player
“I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”
– via Twitter
Kevin Hart, actor
“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 (sic) 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. 🙏🏾”
– via Instagram
Jennifer Lopez (R), singer-songwriter
“Family. As I scrolled through Kobe’s feed, and Alex and I talk memories and moments we remember about him … this is the truth that rings out the loudest … family is what matters most. We are all feeling sadness from this loss, but all I can think of is that it is a grain of sand compared to what Vanessa must going through right now. I am sending all of my love and praying for you, your children and the other families involved in today’s tragic turn of events. The most unfair thing in life is to lose a child and husband on the same day. Vanessa, I pray for your strength and that God guides you each step of the way through this unimaginable heartbreak. To the other families who are suffering from this unthinkable tragedy, may God be with you all. Kobe you meant so much to so many and we will miss you forever. Thank you for your work ethic, your inspiration and your heart. #hero #legend #husband #father 😢🙏🏼💔”
– via Instagram
Leonardo DiCaprio, actor
“Kobe was truly larger than life, a legend. May he and all those who lost their lives today rest in peace. Love and condolences to his family. LA will never be the same.”
– via Twitter
Justin Bieber, singer-songwriter
“It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”
– via Instagram
Gigi Hadid, supermodel
“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.”
– via Instagram
Demi Lovato (C), singer-songwriter
“This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he (sic) so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe 💔💔💔 *update* I just heard his daughter Gigi was also in the accident and it breaks my heart. This whole family was so sweet and now they’re in my prayers heavy. RIP Gigi beautiful girl. 💔💔💔”
– via Instagram
Didier Drogba, former football player
“It hurts so bad 💔my thoughts and condolences to your family @kobebryant Thank you for all the advices and stories we shared, Man you are a true Champion and a great Man May you and your lovely daughter rest in Heaven 🙏🏾#blackmamba #kobe”
– via Twitter
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Jennifer can’t imagine how “awful” the news must have been for Kobe’s wife Vanessa and their three other children – Natalia, 17, Bianka, three, and Capri, seven months – and says she has been “praying” for the family.
The ‘On The Floor’ hitmaker – who is mother to 11-year-old twins Emme and Max – added: “I think of how awful that must be for her right now. I’ve just been praying that God guides her through every moment because she has three more babies to take care of. And just wishing that the nightmare was over but it’s not going to be. That’s life and we have to carry on. But at the same time, it affects us and it will affect us forever.
“Hopefully we’ll remember this moment. We’re trying to spread love and kindness and bring everybody together. This week, this happening, has a sound around the world. We have to love each other, we have to be together and support each other. We can’t be so at odds all the time. I think that’s a part of our mission and our message too.”
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Super Bowl will be honouring Kobe in some way.
