On August 23, Vanessa Bryant, the wife of the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, paid tribute to her beloved husband on his 45th birthday.
She posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram that captured their happy moments as a couple and as a family.
She also wrote a touching message that expressed her love and gratitude for him.
In this article, we will explore how Vanessa Bryant celebrates Kobe’s legacy with her daughters and fans.
Vanessa Bryant’s Instagram Tribute to Kobe
On her Instagram account, Vanessa Bryant shared 10 photos and videos that showed different aspects of her life with Kobe.
The first photo was a black-and-white portrait of them smiling and hugging each other.
She wrote;
“Happy birthday, baby. I love you always & forever. ❤️ #82378” as the caption, referring to his birthdate.
The other posts featured clips of Kobe singing and dancing with Vanessa, giving her a kiss on the cheek, holding her hand, and posing with their four daughters:
- Natalia.
- Gianna.
- Bianka.
- Capri.
She also posted a video of Kobe’s speech at his jersey retirement ceremony in 2017, where he thanked Vanessa for being his best friend and inspiration.
Vanessa Bryant’s Instagram tribute to Kobe received more than 10 million likes and thousands of comments from fans, friends, and celebrities who showed their support and admiration for her and Kobe.
Some of the famous names who commented were Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Khloe Kardashian, and LeBron James.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwSiormRe_p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Vanessa Bryant Keeps Kobe’s Back-to-School Tradition Alive
Vanessa Bryant also honored Kobe by keeping his favorite back-to-school tradition with their daughters.
According to People, Kobe used to send flowers to Vanessa and their girls on their first day of school every year.
This year, Vanessa sent a bouquet of roses to Natalia, who began her freshman year at the University of Southern California.
She also sent flowers to Bianka and Capri, who are in kindergarten and preschool respectively.
She added a note to each bouquet that said;
“Happy first day of school! Love you always, Daddy.”
Natalia shared a photo of the flowers on her Instagram story and thanked her mom for the gesture.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwOJaFroAYk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Vanessa Bryant Supports Kobe’s Legacy Through Philanthropy
Vanessa Bryant is not only preserving Kobe’s memory through personal gestures, but also through philanthropic efforts that reflect his values and vision.
In March 2020, she renamed the Mamba Sports Foundation as the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, in honor of Kobe and Gianna, who both loved basketball and sports.
The foundation aims to empower young girls and provide equal opportunities to underserved athletes.
Vanessa serves as the president and CEO of the foundation, which has partnered with various organizations such as:
- Baby2Baby.
- After-School All-Stars’
- The United Negro College Fund.
Besides the foundation, Vanessa also supports other causes that were dear to Kobe’s heart.
For example, she donated $5 million to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., where Kobe was a founding donor.
She also helped launch the Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the visibility, perception, and advancement of women’s basketball.
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Conclusion
Vanessa Bryant celebrates Kobe’s 45th birthday by posting their precious memories on social media, keeping his back-to-school tradition with their daughters, and supporting his legacy through philanthropy.
She demonstrates strength, resilience, and love in the face of unimaginable loss and grief.
She also inspires millions of people who look up to her and Kobe as role models.
As she wrote in her Instagram post;
“We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband…But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way.”
Facts about Vanessa Bryant
| Facts | Vanessa Bryant |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vanessa Cornejo Urbieta Bryant |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Widow (Late husband: Kobe Bryant) |
| Children | Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri |
| Relationship with Kobe Bryant | Married Kobe Bryant in 2001 |
| Career | Former Model, Philanthropist |
| Philanthropic Work | Co-founded the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation |
| Public Appearances | Has appeared at various events in support of her late husband’s legacy |
| Personal Tragedy | Suffered the loss of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter crash in 2020 |
| Legal Actions | Involved in legal proceedings against helicopter company over the crash |
| Resilience and Advocacy | Known for her strength in the face of tragedy, raising awareness about grief and loss |
| Social Media Presence | Active on social media platforms, sharing personal moments and thoughts |
| Recognition | Respected for her dedication to her family and support for her late husband’s legacy |
