It’s been years since the passing of the legendary Muhammad Ali, but his spirit continues to inspire millions around the globe. His daughter, Laila Ali, is determined to ensure her father's legacy lives on. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Laila opens up about the enduring impact of her dad, who remains an iconic figure in sports history and beyond.
During the Big Fighters, Big Cause Charity Boxing Night in California, Laila, now 39, shared heartfelt memories of her father with Closer Weekly. She revealed that even after his passing, people constantly approach her to express their admiration for Muhammad Ali. “He’ll never be forgotten,” she said confidently. “People come up to me every single day to talk about my father. It's like he's still here in some way, through the stories and the love people have for him.”
A candid moment between Muhammad and Laila in 2013.
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The world mourned the loss of Muhammad Ali on June 3, 2016, after a courageous 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. The man who reigned as the three-time World Heavyweight Champion left behind an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond. “After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74,” his representative announced in a heartfelt statement at the time. For those who knew him, it wasn't just the loss of a boxing legend but a beloved global icon.
Stars Pay Tribute to Muhammad Ali's Incredible Legacy
Laila Ali, one of Muhammad’s nine children, born to him and his third wife, Veronica Porché Ali, reflects on her father’s passing with both sorrow and gratitude. “I miss him every day, but I find comfort in knowing that he’s in a better place now,” she shared candidly. Growing up, Laila witnessed firsthand the profound impact her father had on people’s lives. “My father, no matter where he would go, he would bring people to tears… so I wasn’t really surprised by the outpouring of love when he passed away,” she explained to Essence magazine. “But it was deeply appreciated that people cared so much.”
View this post on InstagramMy father passed a year ago today. He sure was something extraordinary…an ANGEL walking on earth! My dad believed that we ALL have something special inside and that you just have to believe in yourself!💜 So thankful and blessed to have his same DNA and so many gifts passed down that have shaped me into the fighter and person that I am! #LOVEMYDAD
On the exact anniversary of her father’s death, Laila turned to Instagram to honor his memory. “My father passed a year ago today. He sure was something extraordinary… an ANGEL walking on earth!” she captioned a touching photo collage of the two of them. Her words resonated deeply with fans: “My dad believed that we ALL have something special inside and that you just have to believe in yourself!”
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Why Laila Feels Blessed to Carry Her Father's Legacy
In her tribute, Laila continued, “So thankful and blessed to have his same DNA and so many gifts passed down that have shaped me into the fighter and person that I am! #LOVEMYDAD.” Her admiration for her father's teachings and values shines through every word, reminding us all of the incredible influence Muhammad Ali had on the world.
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