Vanessa Bryant commemorated her late daughter, Gigi Bryant, on what would have been her 18th birthday, sharing a heartbreaking Instagram post.
"Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi! I love you. I miss you. I'm so proud of you. 2024 was your year," Vanessa wrote on Wednesday, May 1. "You would've been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. (I would've been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home)."
Gianna and eight others, including her father, Kobe Bryant, tragically died in a helicopter crash in January 2020.
Vanessa finished the tribute with, "I'm proud of the change in sports you and daddy worked so hard on. You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls daily. I love you always, mommy. ❤️ #PlayGigisWay #Mambacita Forever."
Accompanying her heartfelt message, Vanessa shared a reel featuring a collection of videos showcasing Gigi's journey through the years — capturing the years of her growing up, playing on the court, and memories made with friends and family.
Several celebrities went to the comments to wish Gigi a happy birthday. "Happy Birthday GiGi♥️ #MambacitaForever 🤍🕊️," George Lopez wrote. Kris Jenner shared, "Happy Birthday to your beautiful Angel light Gigi sending so much love ❤️🙏🏼❤️."
Kelly Rowland chimed in with, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIGI!!❤," while Viola Davis said, "Beautiful!! Happy birthday Gigi❤️."
It was well known that Gigi's future goals included playing college basketball, with Kobe sharing that she was "hell-bent" on attending the University of Connecticut. The coach Geno Auriemma, even began coaching her.
The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which, exists to further Kobe and Gianna Bryant's legacies, also posted in her honor.
"Always remember to play with joy, curiosity, and competitiveness while never taking any opportunity for granted, just like Gigi 🦋❤️ #PlayGigisWay #MambacitaForever," they wrote, alongside photos of her sister, Natalia Bryant wearing the Foundation's merchandise.
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