Gabrielle Union and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Pay Tribute to Quincy Jones

The world lost a music legend and cultural icon when Quincy Jones passed away at the age of 91. His death has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry, with many stars expressing their sorrow on social media. Notable figures like Gabrielle Union, Michael Caine, Lakers legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson have shared their condolences and memories of Jones.

The announcement of Quincy Jones' passing came from his publicist, revealing he died in his Bel Air home, surrounded by family. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed. Quincy Jones was renowned for his significant contributions to music, including organizing the charity concert "We Are the World," which featured numerous celebrities coming together for a meaningful cause.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who shared a personal bond with Quincy, expressed his heartbreak over the loss. He took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post featuring a picture with Jones, reflecting on their friendship. Kareem stated, "I’ve reached an age where I start a lot of sentences with, ‘A good friend of mine died yesterday.’ But the death of Quincy Jones is especially devastating to me – and to the world." He reminisced about the countless memories and moments they spent together during their long friendship that spanned six decades.

Gabrielle Union also honored Quincy Jones with a touching tribute, describing him as "A Father. A Giant. An Icon. A Genius. An Incredible Storyteller. The Keeper and Facilitator of the Culture." She emphasized that he would be profoundly missed and loved for eternity. Quincy Jones leaves behind a legacy that includes his seven children and many contributions to the arts, including his support for African-American dancers.

Union had a unique opportunity to work alongside Quincy when they co-hosted the Alvin Ailey’s Opening Night Gala in 2013. Along with other celebrities like Michael Caine, LL Cool J, Ice-T, and Nile Rogers, many shared tributes to honor Jones’s impact on music and culture.

NBA Community Remembers an Icon

Magic Johnson, who had a long-standing friendship with Quincy, shared his sadness over the news. Just a week ago, Johnson was celebrating Dwyane Wade’s achievements and the success of the Dodgers, but now he is mourning the loss of his friend. Magic wrote, "I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and an all-time icon, Quincy D. Jones. Quincy had an exceptional ear for music." His work on Michael Jackson's iconic album "Thriller" holds a special place for Magic, particularly since the music video was filmed at the former Magic Johnson Theater.

Other NBA players also voiced their sadness. Klay Thompson, a longtime admirer of Quincy Jones’s music, expressed his grief by listening to his classic hits. He wrote, "RIP Quincy Jones! Truly the greatest to ever do it! I’m spinning Off the Wall and Thriller all day in his honor." This reflects how deeply Quincy’s music resonates across generations and fields, showcasing his lasting impact.

As tributes continue to pour in from various corners of the entertainment world, the profound influence of Quincy Jones—a true icon—remains evident.

music, tribute, legend, icon