Vanessa Bryant's Tearful Speech At Kobe & Gigi's Memorial Reportedly A 'Last-Minute' Decision

Vanessa Bryant showed immeasurable strength on Monday when she spoke during a public memorial service at the Staples Center and said a tearful goodbye to her loves, Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

It was equally heartbreaking as it was inspiring to see the 37-year-old pour out her heart to an arena full of family, friends, and fans in mourning just under a month after that fatal helicopter crash which claimed the lives of the beloved father-daughter duo and seven others. However, according to a source, the unforgettable moment wasn’t exactly a confirmed part of the event until minutes before Vanessa got up on stage.

A source told E! News organizers of the program were seemingly prepared either way if the grieving momma decided not to go through with her speech:

“Vanessa Bryant’s speech was always tentative until the very last minute.”

As you’re likely aware, late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was tapped as emcee for the memorial and remained connected with Vanessa throughout the program. The insider explained before Kimmel was slated to introduce Bryant on stage, she gave him a “signal” on whether or not she was going to get up and speak. The official go-ahead from Vanessa came during a video montage of Kobe, minutes before her tentative spot in the program.

“She, of course, was prepared with her speech either way, but keeping her tentative was a matter of how emotional she was and how comfortable she felt in that moment to make the speech. Nobody knew if she was going to do it until [Jimmy] actually announced her.”

It should go without saying the public would have understood either way if the emotional moment proved to be too much for Vanessa. Viewers and attendees were no doubt grateful for her presence as her words provided the heartfelt and personal touch to the celebration of Kobe and Gigi’s lives that truly couldn’t have come from anyone else.

Vanessa Bryant pays tribute to GIanna ahead of public memorial — Vanessa Bryant began her eulogy with beautiful words about her 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. / (c) Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

As reported, Vanessa began her address with a beautiful reflection on her “baby girl” Gigi’s life, which was cut short far too soon:

“I’m still so proud of Gianna. She made a difference and was kind to everyone she met in the 13 years she was here on Earth. Her classmates shared many fond memories of Gianna with us, and those stories reminded me that Gianna loved and showed everyone that no act of kindness is ever too small to make a difference in someone’s life… She was so full of life and had so much more to offer this world. I cannot imagine life without her.”

And she broke our hearts a million times over when she switched gears and spoke about her late husband and “soulmate”:

“He was mine. He was my everything. Kobe and I had been together since I was 17 and a half years old. I was his first girlfriend, his first love, his wife, his best friend, his confidant, and his protector. He was the most amazing husband. Kobe loved me more than I could ever express or put into words… He would do anything for me. I have no idea how I deserved a man who loved and wanted me more than Kobe.”

Vanessa Bryant leaning on her mom after Kobe death — “He was loving, adoring, and romantic,” added Vanessa of her late husband Kobe. / Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

R.I.P.

According to a separate source at E!, a private reception was held after the public memorial service, which also took place at the Staples Center in the Lexus club and San Manuel club areas: