Gianna, known as Gigi, was just 13 years old when she died in a helicopter crash alongside her dad Kobe Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant is honoring her late daughter Gianna Bryant on what would have been her 17th birthday. "Happy 17th birthday, baby girl. I love you and miss you so much, sweet Angel," The 40-year-old wrote on Instagram on Monday, May 1, per PEOPLE. In a second post celebrating Gianna's birthday, she added, "Happy birthday, sweet Gigi! We love you to the moon and back infinity +1. Forever & Always. ❤️" In a third post, Vanessa shared a photo of herself with her three daughters writing, "Te Amo Mambacita ❤️ Happy birthday, baby girl. 😘❤️🎂❤️"
Vanessa Bryant celebrates daughter Gigi on what would have been her 17th birthday https://t.co/zJeFP6K5ME
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 2, 2023
Last month, Vanessa, along with her children, paid tribute to her late husband Kobe Bryant on March 15 with an emotional ceremony presenting his handprints inside Hollywood's famed Chinese Theatre. 20-year-old Natalia, Kobe, and Vanessa's eldest daughter made a touching statement during the ceremony, which was attended by Vanessa and her younger sisters Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3. Natalia opened her statement by referring to her father as the "MVP of girl fathers," describing his tremendous work ethic as a basketball player and how, despite his hectic schedule, the Laker great always found time for his four daughters. "I'm honored to be here today to recognize the man that we all knew and love my dad, Kobe Bryant," she said. "Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” she added.
Natalia concluded her speech by saying that they will love Kobe "forever and always," and made sure to include her late sister Gianna, who died in the helicopter crash alongside their dad. Gigi was just 13 years old at the time.
"Dad, you're an icon, a legend, the storyteller, and most importantly, the best girl dad any young woman could ever dream of," she said. "I'm honored to be here to represent you and our family, and we are extremely proud of you. We will love you forever and always. Love, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri, and Mommy."
#VanessaBryant remembers late daughter Gigi on what would have been her 17th birthday https://t.co/jxGxEYYBEk
— ET Canada (@ETCanada) May 1, 2023
On February 24, 2020, the day of Kobe and Gianna Bryant's funeral service, Vanessa delivered a painful farewell to her husband and their 13-year-old daughter. "God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to have them together. Babe, you take care of our Gigi. And I got Nani, B.B., and Koko. We're still the best team. May you both rest in peace and have fun in Heaven until we meet again one day. We love you both and miss you. Forever and always, Mommy," Vanessa said, through tears.
“God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to have them together. Babe, you take care of our Gigi. And I got Nati, Bibi and Coco. We're still the best team." pic.twitter.com/7MTDRzuoZi
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 24, 2020
References:
https://www.instagram.com/vanessabryant/
Cover Images Source: Getty Images | (L) Kent C. Horner; (R) Harry How
