Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and More React To Kobe Bryant’s Shocking and Untimely Death
Musicians across all genres were shaken by the tragic death of former NBA star Kobe Bryant on Sunday (Jan. 26)…
Kobe Bryant; Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Musicians across all genres were shaken by the tragic death of former NBA star Kobe Bryant on Sunday (Jan. 26) after the news broke that the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player died following a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Bryant, along with his eldest daughter, 13-year-old Gianna, were among the nine passengers killed in the crash. Bryant was just 41-years-old.
The news of Bryant’s death shook the entertainment community ahead of the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, which took place at the STAPLES Center where the basketball star spent his career with the Lakers. The Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. called for a moment of silence in Bryant’s memory at the beginning of the show, while Bryant’s life and career were also celebrated throughout the telecast. Boyz II Men and Alicia Keys delivered a touching performance in his honor and his retired jerseys remained illuminated on the ceiling of the STAPLES Center throughout the show.
Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Jana Kramer, Chase Rice, Mitchell Tenpenny, LoCash and Jason Aldean were among the many country artists who took to social media to remember Bryant and share their thoughts and prayers with his family following his untimely death.
“I can’t even put to words the loss for the Bryant Family,” Mitchell Tenpenny tweeted after the news broke. “This is an American tragedy and hard pill to swallow. God has a plan even when it seems to make no sense. Prayers…”
I can’t even put to words the loss for the Bryant family. This is an American tragedy and hard pill to swallow. God has a plan even when it seems to make no sense. Prayers…
— Mitchell Tenpenny (@m10penny) January 26, 2020
“Heavy heart as I get in bed. Praying for the Bryant family.” Luke Bryan tweeted, adding, “Truly heartbroken.”
Heavy heart as I get in bed. Praying for the Bryant family. Truly heartbroken.
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) January 27, 2020
Jason Aldean shared a photo of an autographed Bryant jersey, signed by Kobe Bryant to Aldean. Aldean’s message read, “So sad to hear about the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter today. I literally am sick to my stomach. Always loved watching him play. Definitely one of the greatest of all time. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife and their whole family. I will forever treasure this jersey he signed for me a couple years ago.”
Keith Urban posted to Instagram sharing his condolences writing, “Our hearts break today for Kobe Bryant’s family and friends and everyone he inspired. I never knew him-but somehow felt like I did. Rare. We wish peace and strength to all of you.”
Continue reading for more reactions to Kobe Bryant’s death.
I don’t even know what to say…seeing news like this is so incredibly sad. RIP Kobe
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) January 26, 2020
Wow. Kobe. I’ll never forget watching you play. This one hurts. One of the greatest of all time. RIP man.
— Chase Rice (@ChaseRiceMusic) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe #mamba
— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) January 26, 2020
Life is so short. ;(. Sending all my love to Kobe’s family and friends.
— Jana Kramer (@kramergirl) January 26, 2020
My brother never traded me his Kobe rookie card. So sad for his daughters and family. Sitting here with my tiny family sending nothing but love to them.
— Ryan Hurd (@RyanHurd) January 26, 2020
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) January 26, 2020
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.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
What a sad day. RIP Kobe. 41 is way too soon. Prayers to his family and friends. #lifeisfragile pic.twitter.com/3la96UT6Cn
— Thompson Square (@thompsonsquare) January 26, 2020
this is heavy. really, really heartbreaking. 💔 https://t.co/lDfNgczV3o
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) January 26, 2020
The most horrific news to hear that Kobe Bryant is no longer here with us. My heart is broken for his family and friends. It doesn’t seem real. #KobeBryant #wow #what
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) January 26, 2020
Written by
Andrew Wendowski
Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a self-taught entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.