The world lost a legend in a helicopter crash early this year. On January 26th, the tragic accident killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven others. Kobe’s exploits on the court are the reason why his death has created a void in the world of basketball.
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Jimmy Kimmel, a dear friend of Kobe, reflects on the player’s memorial service with immense emotions. Kobe Bryant and his daughter’s memorial took place at Staples Center on 7th February. The late legend’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, his side of the family, and other NBA greats were present that day.
Jimmy opens up on the Kobe Bryant memorial service
The late-night talk show host mentioned that he mistakenly presumed the service was only for family members and close friends. Recently on ‘Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen’, Jimmy made an appearance. When the host asked him how nervous and intense the memorial service was, he admitted, “Very and very.”
Jimmy wasn’t aware that it would be a televised event. “I guess I wasn’t really fully paying attention, but I didn’t know it was going to be a televised event. I thought it was a somewhat intimate family and fans thing,” Kimmel mentioned, “The saddest part was seeing the family just sitting in the front row. That’s a killer, looking at those kids, Vanessa, and Kobe’s parents. To just realize as sad as this is for all of us, this is a million times worse for them.”
At the memorial service, Vanessa Bryant, along with her family members, was sitting in the first row. Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan, among others, gave speeches in the service. Moreover, everybody who offered their condolences to the Bryant family spoke about their best times with Kobe.
A day after Kobe’s death, Kimmel did his show without an audience. He clarified his decision by saying, “We don’t have a studio audience here tonight because – going forward with a comedy show didn’t feel right considering what happened yesterday – so I’d like to just speak to you directly.”
