Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, is marking what would have been her late husband’s 48th birthday.
“Happy birthday, baby,” Vanessa, 44, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, August 23, along with a throwback picture of the former couple. “I love you so much.”
In the throwback photo, Vanessa could be seen sitting on her late husband’s lap as the pair lounged outside in an outdoor chair. Kobe wore a blue t-shirt with black pants and flip flops, while Vanessa was barely visible under her husband’s once-towering 6’6’’ frame.
She added her late husband’s birthdate alongside a red heart and praying hands emojis in the short-but-sweet caption.
Several Hollywood celebrities and A-list sports stars showed their love and support in the comments section, including Kris Jenner, Candace Parker, Kimora Lee Simmons, David Beckham and Gabrielle Union.
The famous Los Angeles Laker tragically died in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people on January 26, 2020. (Vanessa and Kobe, who married in April 2001, also shared Natalia, Bianka and Capri.)
The basketball star was 41.
Vanessa has found ways to continue to honor her late husband and daughter while simultaneously — and frequently — shutting down pregnancy and dating rumors as fans continue to speculate she has moved on since the crash. (The family renamed and expanded the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation to include “Mambacita,” an ode to Gianna. The nonprofit organization aims to create a positive and empowering environment via sports for underserved youth and female athletes.)
“Can you guys decide alread…. Am I pregnant for the 100th time or am I getting remaried???” Vanessa shared via her Instagram Story on May 3, denouncing another round of online rumors — this time claiming she was planning to remarry after inheriting 5 percent of her husband’s wealth.
In June 2025, she once again denounced rumors she was pregnant, sharing a selfie featuring the mom giving the camera the bird.
“Me protecting my peace, not pregnant & having fun all summer,” she captioned the photo at the time.
Back in May, Vanessa shared a touching tribute to her late daughter on what would have been the little girl’s 20th birthday.
“Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna,” she wrote on May 1 via Instagram. “Words can’t express how much I love and miss you mamacita. Mommy loves you so much!”
Followers flocked to the comments section to share their support for Vanessa on her daughter’s heavenly birthday, including LeBron James, Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, La La Anthony and Gianna’s older sister Natalia.
