Many stars have reacted to Erika Kirk’s moving eulogy for her late husband, Charlie Kirk, during his public memorial service. Erika (née Frantzve) spoke during the event held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, September 21. During her speech, Erika forgave the man allegedly responsible for her husband’s death. (The Turning Point cofounder was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on September 10.)
“I forgive him because it is what Christ did,” she told the crowd. “The answer to hate is not hate.”
Erika also advised the attendees to follow her husband’s example as a dedicated husband and father.
“Please be a leader worth following,” she said. “Your wife is not your servant. Your wife is not your employee. Your wife is not your slave. She is your helper. You are not rivals. You are one flesh, working together for the glory of God.”
While some celebrities attended the event in person, the memorial was also livestreamed for the masses.
Keep scrolling to see what stars have said about Erika’s eulogy to Charlie:
Maria Shriver
Shriver applauded Erika Kirk for her compelling remarks. “Erika Kirk says she forgives Tyler Robinson who killed her husband,” the journalist tweeted of the widow’s comments regarding the 22-year-old shooting suspect, who has yet to be convicted of any crime in relation to Charlie’s death. “Powerful words. Very much so.”
Savannah Chrisley
Chrisley voiced her support by sharing Erika’s forgiveness quote. “We love you,” the reality star wrote via her Instagram Story while tagging Erika in the message. “You amaze me.”
Madi Prewett
The Bachelor Nation alum took to Instagram to praise Erika’s sermon. “The truth of the gospel preached to millions. This is what it looks like to have your life built on the rock of Jesus Christ,” she penned. “When the worst thing that could happen happens … when the storms come, the winds come … you don’t fall and break because your peace and hope is in the everlasting One. Inspired by @mrserikakirk — I pray we all stand firm in times of trial like this.”
Meghan McCain
McCain cheered Erika on for her strength. “What it would take to do something like this is almost unfathomable,” she wrote via X alongside a clip from Erika’s speech. “A beacon of resilience and hope for all Americans.”
Danica Patrick
The NASCAR driver was in attendance for the memorial service and opened up about watching Erika’s speech in person. “It was a moving day honoring Charlie Kirk’s life. So many emotional and thoughtful speeches and so much internal strength demonstrated by his wife @mrserikakirk,” Patrick wrote via Instagram alongside moments from the event. “Charlie would ask… God use me for your will. Well, none of us wanted this, but it seems God has a pretty big plan for you… because not even death could stop your mission. In fact, it’s stronger than ever.”
Raelynn
The country singer also went to the memorial in Arizona. “What a way to honor what legacy Charlie left as a stamp on this Earth. America can’t be the home of the free without the brave. @mrserikakirk I love you,” she wrote via her Instagram Story. “You will finish what your husband started.”