Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Celebrity tributes to the late Kobe Bryant have continued to pour in following the NBA superstar’s death on Sunday in a helicopter accident. Marc Anthony shared a photo on Instagram of the first time he met Bryant, while attending a Lakers game years ago with Marc’s friend, soccer star David Beckham. “When you shake hands with an ANGEL,” Anthony wrote. “Rest in peace my beautiful brother. May love and peace surround the families of all involved.”

The salsa crooner also paid tribute to Bryant during his recent concert in Boston, displaying a giant photo of the basketball player on the stadium’s screen before a sea of fans who chanted, “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe.” He also displayed a yellow jersey with Bryant’s number, 24, before singing his hymn “Vivir Mi Vida.”

Nuyorican star Jennifer Lopez also expressed her heartbreak over the tragic death of Bryant and his teen daughter Gianna, sharing photos with the basketball star and his wife, Vanessa Bryant.

“As I scrolled through Kobe’s feed, and Alex and I talk memories and moments we remember about him … this is the truth that rings out the loudest … family is what matters most,” Lopez wrote. “We are all feeling sadness from this loss, but all I can think of is that it is a grain of sand compared to what Vanessa must going through right now. I am sending all of my love and praying for you, your children and the other families involved in today’s tragic turn of events.”

“The most unfair thing in life is to lose a child and husband on the same day,” Lopez continued. “Vanessa, I pray for your strength and that God guides you each step of the way through this unimaginable heartbreak. To the other families who are suffering from this unthinkable tragedy, may God be with you all. Kobe you meant so much to so many and we will miss you forever. Thank you for your work ethic, your inspiration and your heart.”

J.Lo also shared a throwback photo with the Bryants, showing their friendship went back many years. Alex Rodriguez, J.Lo’s fiancé, also wrote a post remembering Bryant and his family. The Dominican American baseball star also had a close friendship with the late NBA star. “My heart hurts so much right now,” Rodriguez wrote. “I still can’t wrap my head around this. How can it be? I learned so much from Kobe Bryant. He was naturally gifted, but had a passion for basketball like no one else I’ve ever seen. His work ethic was impeccable and his stress on mastering the fundamentals is what elevated him to the player he was. He followed my career and would often call to help with my health, daily routine … and would even chime in about hitting techniques. He was a role model to me, and millions around the world.”

A-Rod recounted how the two bonded over time. “We met as teenagers,” he wrote. “We followed similar paths. We went from high school to the pros and our baby girls grew up together. People don’t know this, but he was my secret coach. He pushed me and motivated me, especially toward the end of my career when I needed him most. He was always there. Even after our playing days, he was there for me. … I last saw him a few months ago. I will remember what he told me about how much he loved Vanessa and his girls, and that he continued to say no to 99 percent of offers, choosing instead to spend as much time with his family as possible. I will remember his greatness. I will remember his guidance. I will remember his friendship. I will remember that he made me a better person. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was following in her Dad’s footsteps. She was kind, smart, caring and going to be a star. Rest in peace, Kobe. Rest in peace, GiGi. My heart and prayers go out to the Bryant family and the passengers’ families.”