Vanessa Bryant celebrates what would have been daughter Gianna's 19th birthday

7 hours ago 1

It’s an unimaginably bittersweet day for Vanessa Bryant, her family, and all those who knew and loved her daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. Gianna passed away tragically on January 26, 2020, alongside her incredibly beloved basketball legend father, Kobe Bryant, in a helicopter crash. Gianna was just 13 years old at the time. Thursday, May 1, 2025, would have been her 19th birthday.

Vanessa Bryant turned to Instagram on Thursday to acknowledge the special day. She shared a picture of her daughter posing in her basketball uniform.

“Happy birthday, Gigi! Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express. I love you Gianna. ❤️19 ♉️ 5/1 #Mambacita,” she wrote in the caption.

Mambacita is the nickname given to Gianna that was inspired by her dad’s own infamous nickname, Mamba. The nickname continues to be used today to honor the father and daughter and their legacy.

Loved ones of the Bryant family filled the comments offering their own birthday wishes to Gianna.

“Happy Birthday Day Gigi!!” wrote NBA legend Chris Paul.

“Sending love on this special day ❤️Happy Birthday Gigi❤️❤️❤️,” commented former WNBA star Lisa Leslie.

In addition to his wife, Vanessa, Bryant tragically left behind three other beloved daughters, Natalia, Bianca, and Capri. Beyond basketball, the part of Bryant’s legacy he was most proud of was his daughters. He was even known as the MVP of girl dads.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese react to Fever forward Lexie Hull's engagement news

Dave Portnoy comments on Bill Belichick's 'most awkward' interview about Jordon Hudson

Read Entire Article