Vanessa Bryant Honors Late Husband Kobe Bryant in Birthday Tribute

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Vanessa Bryant will always honor her late husband Kobe Bryant’s legacy.

Over five years since the NBA legend tragically passed away at age 41 in a helicopter accident, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gigi Bryant, and seven others, his spouse honored them both on the day that would have marked Kobe’s 47th birthday.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can’t help but express my heartfelt sentiments on this special day. It’s your birthday, dear friend, and I find myself reminiscing about the cherished moments we’ve shared with the inimitable Gigi. My soul yearns for you both, and I simply can’t contain my affection anymore. Through this digital medium, I send a torrent of love your way. Happy Birthday, dear one! 🎂🎉🎁

As a devoted admirer, I echo Vanessa’s heartfelt homage to the legendary Kobe Bryant. It was only a month ago when this remarkable man, who happened to be a loving father to Natalia Bryant, aged 22, Bianka Bryant, 8, and Capri Kobe Bryant, 6, shared an insightful look at how our youngest has been emulating his athletic prowess.

In the July 24 Instagram post, she wrote, “Her father’s likeness is evident,” accompanied by a split image showing Capri, whose middle name honors her dad, mimicking Kobe’s basketball stance. Furthermore, to reinforce the similarity, Vanessa playfully referred to Capri as “Baby Mamba” and “KoKo Bean.

Approximately two months ago, on a significant occasion – her college graduation – Natalia paid tribute to her father in a unique manner of her own.

During her graduation with honors from the University of Southern California (USC) in May, the 22-year-old added her late father’s distinctive “Sheath” logo-a design composed of three groups of quadrilateral trapezoids-to her cardinal red and gold graduation robe.

In a post on Instagram, Vanessa captioned a close-up image of her daughter’s stole with “Forever,” followed by various emojis including hand hearts, a red heart, a crown, and a snake, indicating a sentiment of eternal love, royalty, and perhaps a hint of mystery or transformation.

On her eighth birthday in December, Bianka found a special occasion to continue honoring her father’s legacy. Notably, her current age mirrors the jersey number worn by her late NBA hero dad when he started his career.

BB-8! Today marks 8 years for BB! On Instagram, Vanessa posted a photo of the birthday girl with this message: ‘Happy Birthday to our sunshine, Bianka! We adore you so dearly. You fill our lives with love and laughter. So loved by you, mama!’

She went on to say, “You claim it’s your BB8 birthday,” she added, “and I’ll make sure to remind you that it’s also your eighth year as my little one.

For a look back at Kobe and Vanessa’s family photos, keep reading…

After clinching the NBA Championship on June 19, 2000, the basketball sensation happily struck a pose with his parents, Joe Bryant and Pamela Bryant.

The duo were all smiles while posing for a portrait in November 2000.

Vanessa showed off her baby bump at the 2019 Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles.

Celebrating your third birthday, B.B.! It still feels surreal to me that you’re three years old now! On Instagram in December 2019, I expressed my affection for you by saying, “We adore you, our little mamacita!

 

“My Bianka Bella Bryant (BBB),” Kobe wrote on Instagram back in November 2019.

“Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful for my family!” Kobe wrote via Instagram back in November 2019.

The Bryants dressed up as characters from The Wizard of Oz back in October 2019.

“My Gigi,” Kobe wrote on Instagram back in September 2019.

In 2019, a pair – father and daughter – took their seats right next to the court during the Lakers versus Mavericks match at the Staples Center.

In a September 2019 post, the caption stated that Vanessa Bryant surprised me by bringing our two adorable children B.B and KoKo to my book signing for “#legacyandthequeen” at Barnes & Noble.

On Mother’s Day, Vanessa Bryant, we adore you and appreciate everything you do for our family. A month before Capri was born in May 2019, Kobe wrote on Instagram that you are the backbone of all our cherished values. I love you dearly #mybaby #lioness #mamabear #queenmamba.

 

In March 2019, Kobe shared on Instagram that he had an amazing time at UConn Women’s Basketball for senior night and the retirement celebration of basketball legend @promise50, alongside his daughter Gigi. He expressed gratitude towards Gampel, Coach Geno, and CD for their warm welcome. He wished them luck for the rest of their season.

At a clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks, Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, enjoyed a unique bonding experience during the basketball game.

Back in 2018, Vanessa, Kobe, Natalia, and Gianna made an appearance at the debut showing of “A Wrinkle in Time” in Los Angeles.

Unexpected vacation to Cabo San Lucas for my birthday, celebrating as the Bryant family (#bryantbunch), turning 40 (#40), and honoring my queen status (#queenmamba) with my lovely ladies (#mambacitas).

Kobe and his family members attended a women’s basketball game in Los Angeles back in 2017.

2017 saw Kobe beaming with joy as he struck poses alongside his relatives during his jersey retirement event. Notably present at the occasion was Magic Johnson.

Kobe attended the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards with Vanessa, Gianna and Natalia in 2016.

Here, the family members were pictured at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Bryant celebrated his major win with his daughter Gianna by his side.

Ready to go! In 2016, prior to his NBA All-Star Game, the legendary basketball player received a loving embrace from his daughter.

In the year 2011, Kobe Bryant’s family – his wife and daughters – were present at the ceremony where his hand and footprints were immortalized in Hollywood, California.

 

Kobe, his wife and their daughters celebrated the Lakers’ NBA championship at Disneyland in 2010.

Last year, the renowned basketball player commemorated a win for the Lakers by joining Vanessa and the children at a celebratory parade held in Los Angeles. (Year updated to reflect current context)

In a 2017 conversation with Extra, Kobe affectionately called his daughters his “little princesses.” This photo dates back to 2007, featuring him alongside Vanessa and Natalia.

Vanessa Bryant posted a heartwarming picture featuring herself and their six-year-old daughter, Capri – the youngest member of the Bryant family, displaying an aptitude for sports just like her legendary father, Kobe Bryant.

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2025-08-23 22:17