Dikembe Mutombo, a famous NBA player known for his incredible shot-blocking skills and kind humanitarian work, has died at the age of 58. The news was announced on the NBA’s social media account.
Mutombo, who was in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and served as the NBA’s Global Ambassador, passed away after fighting brain cancer. His family was with him when he died, according to a post on the NBA’s official Twitter account on September 30.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared a touching statement about Mutombo, praising his impact on the game and in the community. “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver said.
He also mentioned Mutombo’s success as one of the best shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. “Off the court, he dedicated his time to helping others,” Silver added.
Silver talked about Mutombo’s work as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador and his humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa. “I traveled the world with Dikembe and saw how his kindness and generosity uplifted people,” he noted.
Silver remembered Mutombo as always being friendly at NBA events, with his big smile, deep voice, and famous finger wag, which made him loved by basketball fans of all ages.
He expressed his condolences to Mutombo’s family, friends, and the global basketball community, emphasizing how much he was loved.
“Dikembe’s strong spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his amazing life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart, and I will miss him dearly,” Silver reflected.
Mutombo was not just a star athlete but also a loving husband to Rose and a proud father to their three children: Jean Jacques, Carrie, and Ryan.
He often expressed his love for Rose on social media. In a post for their 27th wedding anniversary in June 2021, he wrote, “We have been through so much together; good times and bad. We cherish all that we share. Life has taken us on many journeys, but you have always been with me through it all. Love always [sic].”
Mutombo also shared many travel experiences with Rose. In October 2022, he posted about their trip to Japan, saying, “Last week in Tokyo, Rose & I had a chance to visit the Garden of the Imperial Palace.” This would be his last post with his wife.
As a father, Mutombo often shared his pride in his children. In a Father’s Day post on Instagram in June 2022, he wrote, “Our children are our whole life and that causes a lot of admiration.”
He also shared a heartfelt message to other fathers: “I wish you spend a nice day with them. Keep showing them the good way to follow by being a great father. Happy Father’s Day to dads everywhere.”
After his father’s passing, Ryan shared an emotional tribute on his private Instagram account. He called his father his “hero,” not for his fame but for his genuine kindness. “He remains the purest heart I have ever known,” Ryan said.
Ryan described his father, saying, “At times, I thought of my dad as super-human. The child in me would sigh to hear that this was never actually the case. My dad was a regular man who would do anything to honor the world, its people, and its creator. He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so real.”
Mutombo’s commitment to family, faith, and community was a key part of his life. On his 56th birthday in 2022, he shared a message of gratitude: “Dear Lord, I thank you for giving me the chance to wish myself a happy birthday in good health and happiness. I pray for my family and friends that You will continue to grant me blessings of love and joy all my life. Amen. Happy birthday to me [sic].”
Dikembe Mutombo’s death at 58 is a huge loss for basketball and humanitarian efforts. He inspired many as the NBA’s Global Ambassador. His legacy of love, kindness, and family will continue to inspire future generations.
Fans Rejoice as People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive Is Revealed: ‘Finally Someone Worth It!’
Votes for People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive have been cast, the verdict is in, and the recipient has been revealed.
One of the heartthrob stars in the cover image has taken the title for this year.
His loving wife was incredibly supportive and even helped style his silver hair.
This year’s winner for People’s Sexiest Man Alive has been unveiled. One of the dashing stars in the cover photo is the well-deserving recipient of the title.
Throughout his illustrious career in Tinseltown, the star has always been known to catch the public’s attention because of his acting talents and his dashing good looks. In fact, during his time on the popular medical drama TV show he starred in, he garnered the name McDreamy.
Given his rep as a heartthrob in Hollywood, it’s no wonder he scored the esteemed media outlet’s title. As part of the officiation, the famous actor conducted a photo shoot with the magazine and sat down to talk with them about how he felt:
“I was completely shocked, and then I laughed. And I was like, ‘You’re kidding me. This is a joke, right?’”
He had been traveling on a plane from New York to Maine in the early morning when his phone rang, and he received the good news. For ten times, he was always featured as a runner-up until he finally managed to snag the title this year.
Besides the bump to his ego and having fun with the stature, the winner also spoke about being able to use the platform to promote positive work. Although he said his family thought he was joking at first and laughed when he told them, they were super excited and proud nonetheless, especially his biggest supporter: his loving wife.
When she found out her husband had won, she could not stop gushing over him and the wonderful news. The incredibly supportive wife even assisted with styling her husband’s hair for the photoshoots and interviews he did for the occasion. She took to her Instagram Story to boast about how proud she is of him via a series of photos and shared:
“Loved being a part of this insanely fun ride with you…What a title! You truly are my sexiest man alive…”
Fans Rejoice over People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive and Expressed How Well Deserved the Actor’s Win Is
The Hollywood silver fox who won People’s 2023 Sexiest Man Alive title is Patrick Dempsey, 57, and his doting wife, Jillian Fink, is not the only one super excited about him winning the title. When the public learned Dempsey won, many could not stop saying how well-deserved his win was.
Dempsey’s fans swooned over how gorgeous he is and expressed excitement over his title. Many also commented on how long overdue his win was and stated:
“ finally someone worth it!”
In line with many speaking out about how long they had been waiting for Dempsey to win, others mentioned how unwavering his good looks are. Another fan even went so far as to say that they believe Dempsey should stay as the title holder indefinitely.
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