Vanessa Bryant is continuing to open up about the grief she is dealing with following the tragic passing of her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna ‘Gigi’ Bryant.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Kobe and Gigi passed away on January 26 after the helicopter they and seven others were traveling in crashed in Calabasas, California. The group was on their way to a youth basketball game where Gigi was expected to play and Kobe was expected to coach.
In her first statement, Vanessa wrote, “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.”
She later went on to share a series of images of her beloved husband and talented daughter, including videos from the memorial held in celebration of Gigi’s life at her middle school. The school retired the 13-year-old’s basketball jersey.
Vanessa Bryant Talks About Grief In Case Anyone Else Is Experiencing a Loss Like Hers
But most recently, Vanessa opened up about the grief she has been dealing with over the last two weeks. She began, “I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time.” The wife and mother continued:
“It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live.”
However, as Vanessa continued, she knows she has to be there for their three other daughters. “Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters,” she said. “Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.”
“I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God, I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.”
However, despite the grief she is feeling, she is still finding a way to bask in the joy of life with Natalia, Bianka, and Capri by her side. She recently shared a video for their 7-month-old Capri standing up on her own while wearing the most beautiful big smile on her face.
Vanessa wrote, “My Koko Bean. She looks just like my Gigi with her daddy’s eyes.” Kobe and Gigi have already been laid to rest in a private ceremony. A public memorial will take place at Staples Center on February 24.
Sara Vallone has been a writer and editor for the last four and a half years. A graduate of Ohio University, she enjoys celebrity news, sports, and articles that enhance people’s lives.