Vanessa Bryant is keeping the memory of her late husband and daughter alive through her Instagram feed. On January 26, NBA legend Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant were two of the nine victims who were killed in a helicopter crash that took place in Calabasas, California.
Three days after their tragic passing, Vanessa took to Instagram for the first time. The grieving wife and mother shared a photo of her husband and their four daughters with a statement that read, in part:
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.”
Her statement continued, “I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. 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. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.”
Vanessa Bryant Uses Instagram to Remember Husband and Daughter
Shortly after her initial statement, Vanessa returned to her Instagram account again. This time she shared a video snapped from the Los Angeles Laker game honoring Kobe and Gigi.
The picture showed one of Kobe’s jerseys and one of Gigi’s jerseys draped across the back of two chairs with red roses sitting in front of them. Vanessa wrote, “There is no #24 without #2. ❤️#GirlDaddy #DaddysGirl #MyBabies ❤️❤️ #OurAngels #KobeandGigi”
Vanessa then went on to share a painting she received of Gigi. The painting depicted Gigi with a big smile on her face while she was wearing her father’s Laker jersey with a purple jacket draped over it.
The proud mom wrote, “Seeing my babygirl smile and happy again with a basketball under her arm, wrapped in ????????love just warmed my heart. Thank you for this. @_vivalareina thank you!! My Gigi.❤️ #Mambacita”
Vanessa also shared a photo of her husband, before sharing a video of him in an interview telling a journalist that his wife is his best friend. “#mybestfriend #theBestdaddy Miss you so much,” She wrote. “Miss you saying, ‘Bonjourno Principessa/Reina.’”
RELATED: Kobe Bryant: A Father of Four, Gianna Bryant: A Little Girl Poised to Carry on Her Father’s Legacy
Then on February 5, Vanessa shared several videos from the memorial service held at Gigi’s school where they also retired her jersey. The series of videos revealed the words teachers, administrators, and classmates had to say about Gigi.
Vanessa said of the memorial, “My Gianna. God, I miss you. I’ve been so lucky to have woken up to see your gorgeous face and amazing smile for 13 years. Wish it would’ve been until my last breath. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. Infinity plus 1.”
The mom continued, “My Gigi. I love you! I miss you. You’ve taught us all that no act of kindness is ever too small. Mommy is still and will ALWAYS be so proud of you Mamacita.”
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