No matter how much time passes, Vanessa Bryant finds beautiful ways to honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy. More than five years after the NBA star died at age 41 in a helicopter crash alongside his and Vanessa’s 13-year-old daughter, Gigi Bryant, and seven others, Vanessa paid tribute on what would have been Kobe’s 47th birthday.
(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)“We love and miss you and Gigi so much,” she wrote on Instagram on August 23, alongside a throwback photo of her kissing Kobe on the cheek.
She added, “Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby.”
Vanessa Shares Emotional Message on Kobe’s 47th Birthday
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)Vanessa’s heartfelt tribute comes just weeks after she gave fans a glimpse of how their youngest daughter is carrying on Kobe’s basketball spirit. On July 24, she shared a split image of Capri emulating her dad’s stance while holding a basketball.
“Like father, like daughter,” Vanessa captioned the photo, also calling the 6-year-old “Baby Mamba” and “KoKo Bean,” a nod to Kobe’s nickname “Bean.”
Capri & Bianka Keep Their Dad’s Basketball Spirit Alive
Bianka, meanwhile, had her own special way of keeping her father’s memory close. When she turned eight last December, Vanessa reflected on the milestone that tied directly to Kobe’s first jersey number.
“BB-8! BB is 8 today!” she wrote alongside a photo of her daughter. “Happy birthday to our Sunshine. We love you so much, Bianka! You bring so much love and laughter into our lives. You are so loved mama!”
“You say it’s your BB8 birthday,” she continued, “and I’ll keep reminding you it’s your daddy (#8) year.”
Natalia Bryant Honors Kobe During USC Graduation
Natalia also honored her father during a milestone of her own. While graduating cum laude from the University of Southern California in May, the 22-year-old proudly wore Kobe’s trademarked “Sheath” logo on her stole.
“4 ever,” Vanessa captioned a close-up of the stole at the time, adding emojis of heart hands, a red heart, a crown, and a snake.
Family Continues Kobe’s Legacy in Public Moments
Beyond birthdays and graduations, the Bryant family has continued to honor Kobe’s legacy publicly. Earlier this year, they were celebrated at Dodger Stadium during Kobe Bryant bobblehead night for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his favorite team.
Bianka threw out her first pitch with confidence, while Capri stole the spotlight by firing up the crowd on the microphone.
From private tributes to public milestones, Vanessa and her daughters continue to honor Kobe and Gigi’s memory, keeping their legacy alive through love and togetherness.
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Vanessa Bryant Shares Tearful Tribute to Late Husband Kobe Bryant on His 47th Birthday