Beyoncé, John Legend, Gabrielle Union & More Stars React to Kobe Bryant's Untimely Death

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Gone but not forgotten. The world is mourning the loss of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant as news spreads of the athlete’s untimely death at the young age of 41. The former L.A. Lakers player lost his life in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA on Sunday morning, Jan. 26, along with eight other passengers — including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore.

Dubbed the greatest basketball player of all time, Bryant is survived by his wife, Vanessa Bryant, and three other daughters, Natalia, Bianca, and newborn baby Capri. On January 30, Vanessa posted to Instagram letting the world know how much their outpouring of support meant to her and her family.

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“I cannot believe this is real. My god. Oh my god,” Chrissy Teigen wrote on Twitter — and she’s far from only star in Hollywood completely shocked by this untimely news. Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their sympathy and sorrow.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé weighed in on the conversation on January 30, posting three photos to Instagram: one of Kobe and Gigi together, one of Gigi as a young girl, and one of Kobe as a young boy. “I will continue to diligently pray for your Queens,” she wrote. “You are deeply missed beloved Kobe.”

John Legend

“I’m so sad and stunned right now,” John Legend tweeted. “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.”

Gabrielle Union

“Please remember that as life moves on for everyone else, the grief these families are experiencing just started,” Gabrielle Union implored. “Please dont forget about them.”

Cher

“My [heart] Goes Out to Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s So HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR, Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally,” Cher wrote.

Cardi B

“Unbelievable,” Cardi B wrote, beside three prayer hand emojis.

David & Victoria Beckham

Victoria and David Beckham both took to Instagram to share their thoughts on Kobe’s tragic passing. “Kobe Bryant was an incredible figure on and off the court, a friend to David and determined to inspire the next generation,” Victoria shared. “His legacy will live on,” David wrote. “My family’s love and prayers go out to Vanessa and the girls.”

Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest shared a photo of a sign in NYC’s Bryant Park subway station, where someone had added the word “Kobe.” “Love on the East Coast,” he wrote.

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller took to Twitter to share his condolences too: “Hard to figure out how to process, he was such a huge figure who gave the world so much, and such a loving parent.”

Ben Affleck

“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,” Ben Affleck wrote.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson expressed his grief on Twitter too: “Loved watching Kobe play. Loved watching him with his family,” he wrote. “So broken by this tragedy. What a loss… trying to understand & accept.”

Taylor Swift

“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.”

Barack Obama

“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Pink

“My heart is absolutely broken today, hearing this news. I am sending light and love and prayers and healing to this beautiful family 💔,” the singer wrote on Instagram. “‘he or she who has loved and been loved, has lived’ RIP”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

The Rock’s tribute on IG was simple and heartfelt: “Love is forever.”

Kim Kardashian West

“My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what the families involved are going through,” Kim Kardashian West wrote on IG. “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. I am praying for the Bryant family, the Altobelli family and the families of all who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend”

Kris Jenner

“Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe’s family at this time. 💔🙏🏼,” the momager shared on Instagram. After learning that Bryant’s daughter was also involved in the crash, she shared another update which read, “I don’t have the words. Every ounce of my heart is with you, Vanessa.”

Drake

“It can’t be,” the singer wrote on Instagram.

Justin Bieber

“It can’t be,” the “Sorry” singer wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with the sports star. “You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day! Love you man!”

Kevin Hart

“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 this unbearable time. We love you forever man…Legends never die!!!!” the comedian wrote. “RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families.”

Kylie Jenner

“At loss for words right now,” the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the athlete and his daughter. “Praying for this beautiful family.”

Demi Lovato

“You will be so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now,” the songstress shared on Instagram.

Paula Abdul

Scottie Pippen

Larsa Pippen

Scottie’s wife, Larsa, also shared a photo of the athlete along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bryant family. So devastated.”

Gal Gadot

“Rest In Peace legend,” shared the actress.

Ellen DeGeneres

“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant,” TV host Ellen DeGeneres wrote. “My heart is broken for his wife and family.”

Jeremy Lin

“Uhhh. Noooo…life is too precious. RIP Kobe,” pro basketball player Jeremy Lin tweeted.

Jimmy Kimmel

“What impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters,” Jimmy Kimmel shared. “Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers’ families on this sad and shocking day.”

Reese Witherspoon

“Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant,” Reese Witherspoon wrote. “An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.”

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