Vanessa Bryant, widow of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, took to social media to remember her late daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, on what would have been her 14th birthday. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, May 1, Vanessa shared a photo of Gianna wearing Mickey Mouse ears and expressed her deep love for her daughter.
“Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna. Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you,” Vanessa wrote. “You are part of MY SOUL forever. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me.”
The emotional message continued, with Vanessa expressing her yearning for Gianna’s presence: “I miss your smile, your hugs, and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!”
Gianna and Kobe Bryant tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on January 26, leaving Vanessa and her family devastated. Since their passing, Vanessa has used social media as a platform to pay tribute to her late husband and daughter.
In April, Gianna, along with her two teammates who also lost their lives in the accident, was posthumously drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Vanessa proudly celebrated this special honor on her social media platforms.
“I’m so proud of you, Gigi. God I miss you baby. You deserved to live a long, healthy and happy life,” Vanessa wrote. “I wish I could hold you and tell you how proud I am of you. You’re the best, baby girl. Mommy love and misses you more than I could ever express. @WNBA #2 Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant Youngest draft pick. My ‘mambacita’ a.k.a Wings.”
During a tribute to Kobe and Gianna in February, Vanessa emotionally shared memories of her daughter. “My baby girl Gianna Bryant is an amazingly sweet and gentle soul. She always kissed me goodnight and good morning,” Vanessa said, holding back tears. “She knew how much they meant to me. She was daddy’s girl but I know how much she loved her mama.”
Vanessa fondly recalled Gianna’s love for TikTok dances, baking, participation in the student government association, and her passion for basketball. She concluded her speech with a touching note to her “kind, happy, silly, loving, thoughtful” daughter and sister, expressing her deep love and daily longing for them.
As Vanessa continues to navigate life without Kobe and Gianna, she uses her public platform to share the enduring impact they had on her and their family, creating a digital memorial for the world to witness the love and loss of her beloved husband and daughter.