Diddy. John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Always in his heart. DiddyWhile accepting a major honor at the 2022 BET Awards, Porter gave an emotional shout out to his late girlfriend Kim Porter.
The “Coming Home” rapper, 52, paid tribute to his former partner during his acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award on Sunday, June 26. “I just miss Kim, y’all,” the New York City native told the audience. “I know we all go through grief and stuff like that in this life, you know, stay connected to God and he’ll bring you out. This is not — we don’t control this. But I miss Kim so much, and I just want to say thank you to Kim.”
Earlier in the evening, Diddy dedicated his performance of “I’ll Be Missing You” to Porter, who died of pneumonia at age 47 in November 2018. “It’s a joyous occasion,” he said. “We’re celebrating life. I’d like to dedicate this to everybody y’all lost, and baby girl Kim, this one is for you.”
The producer and the model, who dated off and on from 1994 to 2007, share son Christian, 24, and twin daughters D’Lila and Jessie, 15, and Diddy adopted and raised Quincy, 31, Porter’s son from a previous relationship. Justin, 28, is also a part of the entrepreneur. Misa Hylton-BrimChance, 15, with Sarah Chapman.
Kim Porter. Abel Fermin/Shutterstock
Porter and Sean John designer Diddy were not present at her death but Diddy has been open about how her passing affected his life. “She was unforgettable,” the Bad Boy Records founder told EssencePorter in April 2019, recalling his shock when he learned that she had died. “That day turned my world upside down.”
Grammy winner said that her ex had made a request shortly prior to her death. “Three days before she passed, she wasn’t feeling well. She had the flu, and she sent the kids over to my house so they wouldn’t get sick,” he recalled. “One night I was checking on her, and she was like, ‘Puffy, take care of my babies.’ She actually said that to me before she died.”
Diddy also paid tribute in Sunday’s speech to Andre Harrell (his longtime collaborator and friend who died in May 2020 at the ripe old age of 59). “Andre Harrell, that was like my father figure,” the Making the BandProducer said. “I miss him so much. He’s the reason why I’m here. He taught me everything.”
The “Victory” singer dedicated his trophy to his mom, Janice CombsHe was in the audience at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater. “Today is not about me,” Diddy said. “Today is about my mother. Mother, I love and cherish you. This is your day.”
