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.
Five years after divorce, Brad Pitt, 60, is living with his new girlfriend – and i’m sure you will recognize her
Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon have taken the next step in their romance after moving in with each other, according to sources.
The coupIe were rumored to be an item as far back as November 2022, by which time reports suggested they had been dating for “a few months”. In recent times their relationship has been speculated about more concretely in the media, with Brad and Ines said to have celebrated the former’s 60th birthday in Paris.
It now appears there can be no doubting that the pair are ready and willing to commit their lives to one another, with PEOPLE claiming that de Ramon has moved into Pitt’s home.
The last few years have been tricky for Pitt where Iove is concerned. The actor’s marriage to Angelina Jolie ended in a tumultuous separation, the wounds of which still don’t appear to have fully healed. Famously dubbed ‘Brangelina’ in the media, the A-listers fell in love on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, embarking on a romance that stole headlines all over the world.
In 2016, however, Jolie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. She also moved to request sole custody of the pair’s six chiIdren, Maddox, Pax, Shiloh, Zahara, Vivienne and Knox.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Brad Pitt, star of the upcoming Formula One based movie, Apex, walks in the Pitlane prior to qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 17, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Yet if the past few months are anything to go by, Pitt’s found love again in the form of de Ramon, a jewelry designer who was previousIy married to actor Paul Wesley, star of The Vampire Diaries.
De Ramon and Wesley divorced in 2022 after three years of marriage, with de Ramon hooking up with Brad Pitt later that year.
According to Radar Online, one source revealed that Pitt had even set his sights on tying the knot with de Ramon, detailing how the actor was “head-over-heeIs in love with Ines and wants to marry her.”
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