Jennifer Lopez Shares Heartfelt Message After Donatella Versace Steps Down from Top Spot at Fashion House

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Lopez and Donatella Versace on the catwalk.Photo:Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

Jennifer Lopezis one ofDonatella Versace’s biggest fans.

A day after it was announced that the fashion designer, 69, wasstepping down from her role as Versace’s creative director— a position she held for nearly 30 years — Lopez, 55, wrote a touching tribute to her onInstagram.

“Gianni would be so proud. What a journey you have been on,” Lopez wrote, referencing Donatella becoming the leader of the Italian fashion house following the1997 murder of her brotherGianni Versaceat age 50.

Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez during the Notorious Magazine Launch at The Limelight in New York City.Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“You are strong, resilient, powerful, talented and I am so happy that I have gotten to know you over the years. Together, our journey and the friendship that we have formed has been incredible,” continued Lopez.

Donatella will now serve as Versace’s global ambassador, while Dario Vitale will take over as chief creative officer on April 1, per apress release. Vitale was previously the design and image director of Miu Miu.

04:; Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015.George Pimentel/WireImage

Lopez wrote in her message to Donatella that she knows her “next chapter will be filled with love, happiness and friendship…and whatever you want to create it to be.”

“I am always here for you…@donatella_versace💚💚,” wrote Lopez.

She and Donatella have worked together many times throughout the years, most notably when Lopez wore her now iconicgreen Versace gownto the2000 Grammy Awards. The nearly naked jungle-print dress caused such a stir that it spiked Google searches, leading to the birth of Google Images,according to Project Syndicate.

Jennifer Lopez and Donatella Versace at the Versace aute Couture Fall/Winter 2014-2015 show in Paris, Frace.Michel Dufour/WireImage

Michel Dufour/WireImage

In an August 2018 interview withVogue,Lopez reflected on how she and Donatella first metin 1999 at the Met Gala, noting how the murder of Donatella’s brother Gianni affected them both.

Jennifer Lopez and Donatella Versace on the catwalk at Versace’s Spring 2020 fashion presentation.Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty

“My heart went out to her [Donatella]. I just kept touching her and holding her hand. She felt so fragile at the time. And she remembered that and we kind of bonded after that," she said, adding that the two “always kept in touch.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“She was always sending me dresses for whatever I needed. It was a natural organic relationship that wasn’t forced. It is a friendship that goes back many years," said Lopez.

source: people.com