Justin Timberlake Posts Emotional Tribute To Kobe Bryant: “THAT Father Connection Is What Is Most Devastating For Me”
Published on January 29, 2020.Kevin Mazur/Fox/Getty Images
In the days following the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, it has become more and more clear the incredible impact the athlete had on the lives of so many in Hollywood, and around the world.
Singer and actor Justin Timberlake was one of many who opened up about his friendship with Bryant, who passed away at 41 alongside eight others including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, in a plane crash in California on Sunday, January 26.
The 38-year-old shared a series of photos of himself with Bryant over the years and added a touching tribute. “We met when we were both teenagers and bonded over our drive and process,” Timeberlake began.
“I was in awe of what you could do with a basketball and knew your talent went beyond your physical gifts and stretched to your mentality. A mentality that I would take with me throughout my whole career and still use every day.”
He continued, “As the years went by, I watched you do things that seemed humanly unimaginable. And, through ups and downs, championships and injuries, you still remained with an unwavering resolve about your mentality to remain fierce to competition. But, every time we would speak or text, something started to change… your patience and ease grew. And it inspired me to continue to grow for myself.”
“Years passed, and the “old man” jokes would start to be traded back and forth. We both appreciated a good “ribbing.” We joked about “The Vino Club.” You nicknamed yourself ‘Vino’ to represent how one could age gracefully as a fine wine does. But, you never stopped aiming to inspire me. Your confidence in me was huge – it really affected me because I admired you so much. I don’t mean as one of the greatest athletes ever. I mean as a person.”
He then opened up about the last conversation the pair had, which was about being fathers and what it meant to them. “People sometimes can confuse a will to win with a lack of compassion. That wasn’t you. You had both qualities. The last conversation that we shared was about being fathers and what that meant. That was, beyond all the things that we could do in this world, our true legacy. Who our children are and what beautiful people they will become. And, I guess right now, without being able to find all the words, THAT father connection is what is most devastating for me. ”
He concluded, “I am sending my love to Vanessa and your family and to the families of everyone connected in the mourning of this terrible tragedy. My heart is broken and my family lifts you up in our thoughts and prayers.
Kobe… You have connected so many of us. The Mamba Mentality will last for all of time. I know that will be a source for me every day as it has been for so many days before. Your legacy is with us. It’s our responsibility to pass it down now. I hope I can continue to make you proud, Vino. Champ, MVP, Legend, Hero, Inspiration, Father, Friend. I’m gonna miss you, brother. Mamba forever.”
Early reports are indicating that the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Sarah and Payton Chester, John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan was due to heavy fog in the area at the time. The group were on their way to a basketball game for Gianna.