Vanessa Bryant Posts Loving Tribute Kobe Bryant on His 45th Birthday

Vanessa Bryant is remembering her late husband Kobe Bryant on what would have been the basketball legend’s 45th birthday.

“Happy birthday, baby. I love you always and forever,” Vanessa captioned 10 photos showing herself and Kobe throughout their life together. Following the statement were a heart emoji and the hashtag #82378, Kobe’s birthdate. The pictures feature Vanessa and Kobe cuddled up together, at various events such as awards ceremonies as well as in more candid moments.

Kobe’s former teammates, including Caron Butler and Carlos Boozer, weighed in with comments of support. “A timeless and inspiring love story,” wrote Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. WNBA Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman remarked: “Love is so deep.”

Vanessa met Kobe on a music video shoot in 1999. They married two years later in Dana Point, CA and welcomed their first daughter, Natalia, in 2003. Their daughter Gianna was born in 2006, followed by Bianka in 2016 and Capri in 2019. In 2020, Kobe died in a tragic helicopter crash alongside Gianna.

Also on Wednesday, Nike released the Kobe 8 Protro Halo sneaker designed by Vanessa. Earlier this month, Bryant teased her design on Instagram with a black and white video showing the sneaker atop a basketball. “This will be one of many Kobe 8 ‘Halo’ styles coming soon,” she promised in the caption.

Celebrations for Kobe are expected to continue into tomorrow, as the date (8/24) represents both of his jersey numbers.