Thousands attended the star-studded memorial service for Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, at the Staples Center on Monday, Feb. 24.
Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash along with seven others last month.
The memorial service, which started at 10 a.m. local time, drew fans from around the country, some of whom paid up to $250 for a ticket.
Organizers urged people without tickets to stay away from the arena. LAPD reported no disturbances, according to NBC New York.
Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant gave a tearful speech after an introduction by Jimmy Kimmel.
“I’d like to thank everyone for coming today,” she said. “The outpouring of love and support that my family has felt from around the world has been so uplifting.”
She was joined by her daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and 7-month-old Capri They were surrounded by family and friends on stage.
“She was daddy’s girl but I know she loved her mama,” Vanessa said of Gianna. “She was one of my very best friends.”
Semi-retired singer Beyonce Knowles-Carter, 39, performed one of Kobe’s favorite songs at the service.
“I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs,” said Beyonce before performing her hit single “Halo” along with a live orchestra.
Alicia Keys also performed one of Kobe and Vanessa’s favorite musical sonatas by Beethoven on a purple piano. Kobe learned how to play the piece by ear.
NBA legends Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal made stirring speeches.
