Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gianna Bryant Honored at Public Memorial Service After Helicopter Tragedy: See Pics

The service celebrating the lives of Kobe and Gianna was held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Monday, February 24, where the NBA legend played during his 20-year career with the Lakers. The ceremony comes weeks after Us Weekly confirmed that the father-daughter pair were laid to rest in an intimate service held in Corona Del Mar, California, on February 7. Kobe and Gianna passed away on January 26 in Calabasas, California, alongside seven others. The athlete’s private helicopter slammed into a hillside, causing it to instantly burst into flames. All victims of the wreck were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner on January 31. Kobe shared Gianna with wife Vanessa Bryant, to whom he was married for nearly 20 years. The longtime loves also shared daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 8 months. [sendtonews type="float" key="566IrdkT8c-3114486-14453"] “We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri,” Vanessa, 37, wrote via Instagram on January 29, sharing a photo of the couple posing with their children. “We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.” Vanessa continued, “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved.” Earlier this month, a source told Us exclusively that Vanessa’s mom, Sofia Laine, has “been her rock” in the wake of the tragic loss. “Her mom is always with her and the girls and she’s been keeping Vanessa strong and she’s the weight of her support system,” the insider revealed. The source noted that Vanessa is aware that “life must go on, adding: “There is no other option, simply put. Vanessa takes solace in the support of her mom and her sister [Sophie Laine], who are committed to seeing her through this. But at the end of the day, there aren’t words to describe her feelings.”

The service celebrating the lives of Kobe and Gianna was held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Monday, February 24, where the NBA legend played during his 20-year career with the Lakers. The ceremony comes weeks after Us Weekly confirmed that the father-daughter pair were laid to rest in an intimate service held in Corona Del Mar, California, on February 7. Kobe and Gianna passed away on January 26 in Calabasas, California, alongside seven others. The athlete’s private helicopter slammed into a hillside, causing it to instantly burst into flames. All victims of the wreck were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner on January 31. Kobe shared Gianna with wife Vanessa Bryant, to whom he was married for nearly 20 years. The longtime loves also shared daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 8 months. [sendtonews type="float" key="566IrdkT8c-3114486-14453"] “We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri,” Vanessa, 37, wrote via Instagram on January 29, sharing a photo of the couple posing with their children. “We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.” Vanessa continued, “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved.” Earlier this month, a source told Us exclusively that Vanessa’s mom, Sofia Laine, has “been her rock” in the wake of the tragic loss. “Her mom is always with her and the girls and she’s been keeping Vanessa strong and she’s the weight of her support system,” the insider revealed. The source noted that Vanessa is aware that “life must go on, adding: “There is no other option, simply put. Vanessa takes solace in the support of her mom and her sister [Sophie Laine], who are committed to seeing her through this. But at the end of the day, there aren’t words to describe her feelings.”

Booklets handed out to attendees featured a photo of Kobe kissing Gianna on her head.

A woman addressed the crowd, while also paying tribute to the Altobelli families and others whose lives were taken in the wreck.

Beyoncé took the stage to perform her song “XO.” Before starting over, she said to the audience: “I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs.”

A choir took centerstage to perform at the service with Beyoncé.

A video in Kobe’s honor showed a montage of moments of the athlete on the court.

Jimmy Kimmel choked up while addressing the crowd at the memorial service. “This is a sad day, but it is also a celebration of life,” the late-night host said. He also revealed that the proceeds from tickets purchased by attendees will go toward Kobe’s charity, Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez were “in the audience looking very solemn,” an eyewitness tells Us. Jay-Z took his seat in the second row before the service started. Vanessa, meanwhile, was seated with her daughters. Natalia held Bianca on her lap.

Vanessa received warm cheers from fans yelling, “We love you, Vanessa,” while making her way to the stage. While speaking about Kobe and Gianna, she noted how “Kobe and Gianna naturally gravitated toward each other.” She also called Gianna her “girl” and Kobe her “soulmate.”

Alicia Keys paid tribute to the father-daughter duo while performing one of Kobe and Vanessa’s favorite songs, Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” A source tells Us, “Vanessa is crying as she watches Alicia Keys perform. The mood in Staples Center is very solemn. No one is talking. The only thing you can hear outside of the orchestra and Alicia are people sniffling.”

Michael Jordan was “visibly overcome with emotion” as he teared up while speaking about Kobe. He spoke highly of the Lakers star, saying: “This kid had passion like you would never know.” He also called Kobe his “little brother,” adding: “As I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.”

Shaquille O’Neal spoke in honor of his former teammate, calling Kobe “Heaven’s MVP.” When he wrapped his speech, he received a standing ovation.

Christina Aguilera took the stage to sing “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert. “The whole floor is covered in red light except for Kobe’s two retired Jerseys, which is lit with a purple light,” a source tells Us.

Kobe’s Academy Award-winning animated short film Dear Basketball, which is based on the letter he wrote detailing his retirement from basketball, played for attendees.

The crowd cheered “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!” after Kimmel wrapped up the service.