Los Ángeles, California – Vanessa Bryant honored her late husband, Kobe Bryant, on Saturday, August 23rd, marking what would have been his 47th birthday. The tribute, shared via Instagram, followed the tragic deaths of Kobe and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
The couple, who married in 2001 and are also parents to Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 6, shared a sentimental photo of themselves sharing a kiss. Bryant’s caption read, “We love and miss you and Gigi so much. Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby. @kobebryant.”
Natalia Bryant also posted a birthday message, simply stating “Happy Birthday Daddy.”
The outpouring of support extended beyond the immediate family. Former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Pau Gasol posted an emotional tribute alongside a photo of them on the court, writing, “Happy Birthday, hermano. I miss you and love you always.” Kris Jenner, retired WNBA player Lisa Leslie, and Kimora Lee Simmons also offered their well wishes.
More than five years after the devastating loss, Bryant has continued to champion her husband’s legacy through the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. In May, the foundation launched the Gianna Bryant Scholarship Award in partnership with the Variety Boys and Girls Club in Boyle Heights, California, recognizing young people embodying “Gigi’s Mamba Mentality.” The foundation’s statement highlighted the scholarship recipients as representing Gianna’s vision of equal opportunities for young people.
Recent activities of the Bryant family have included a June visit to Disneyland, a recent attendance at a Los Angeles Dodgers game, and participation in back-to-school events organized by the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, where Bryant distributed Kobe sneakers. Earlier this year, speculation arose regarding a potential pregnancy, which Bryant swiftly addressed with a humorous Instagram post featuring Rihanna.
The article concludes noting Bryant’s previous reflection on the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Gigi on what would have been her 18th birthday in May 2024.