The world of basketball and beyond is mourning the loss of Caroline Klein, a trailblazing NBA executive whose life was cut short at just 40 years old.
Before her passing, Klein left behind a moving farewell message on LinkedIn—one that has since inspired many with its message about living life with courage, joy, and determination.
A Battle That Began Suddenly
Klein, who served as the Chief Communications Officer for both the Utah Jazz and the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma in August 2023.
The rare and aggressive cancer had spread to her lungs, changing her life overnight.
She described the moment of diagnosis as being hit “like a Mack Truck,” but instead of focusing on fear, she chose to live with purpose.
Living Life to the Fullest
In her farewell note titled “Remember me for the way I lived,” Klein urged others to chase their dreams boldly.
She wrote: “We only have one life to live, and it’s on you to live it to the fullest.
So please, try to see every day as a license to LIVE, not just pass the time.”
Her outlook was clear—she wasn’t going to spend her final years dwelling on dying.
Instead, she embraced every moment: seeking laughter, love, beauty, adventure, and joy.
Her sister compared her to an F1 driver going full speed, savoring every second from diagnosis to her final days.
Remembered as a Force in Sports
Klein’s career was as impressive as her spirit. She joined the Jazz in 2022, managed communications for the team as well as the Delta Center, and even helped shape the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.
She was named to Sports Business Journal’s prestigious “Forty Under 40” list in 2024, a recognition of her influence and impact.
Ryan Smith, chairman of the Jazz’s parent company, described her as “one of a kind,” adding, “Working with CK was a highlight of my career.
Her presence—and all she shared—will be missed every single day.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute, calling her a leader whose determination and generosity left a mark across the league.
A Life Beyond Work
Klein’s achievements in sports and communications were only part of her story.
A Boston University graduate, she had also held senior communications roles with Preferred Hotels & Resorts and other global companies.
But her farewell message showed how much she valued not just her work, but her relationships and experiences.
She expressed deep gratitude to her husband, Mike, writing: “You loved me fiercely, embraced my wildness, and supported my dreams without hesitation.
Now, it’s time for you to go live another great act in this life until we meet again in the next.”
A Legacy of Joy and Resilience
Even in her final message, Klein’s humor and zest for life shone through.
She promised friends and family she’d meet them in their dreams—dancing to 90s hip hop, eating dumplings and popcorn, climbing mountains, and exploring cities abroad.
Her words leave behind a lasting reminder: while she may not have had as many years as she wished, she lived those years fully, with courage, passion, and love. And that, in her own words, was enough.
