Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images (2)
Vanessa Bryantis paying tribute to her late daughterGianna Bryanton what would have been her 17th birthday.
In a secondpostcelebrating Gianna’s birthday, Vanessa wrote, “Happy birthday, sweet Gigi! We love you to the moon and back infinity +1. Forever & Always. ❤️”
Vanessa Bryant Instagram
Ciara, Taraji P. Henson and Kathy Hilton also commented on the photo on Monday.
Vanessa began the celebrations for Gigi’s birthday early, reminding fans that proceeds from all sales of the Kobe IV Protro ‘Mambacita’ sneakers will go to the Mambacita Sports Foundation.
On Saturday, she shared a photo of Mambacita merchandise, including Gianna’s #2 jersey and sneakers.
“Celebrating my Gigi ❤️MAMBACITA#PlayGigisWay#BirthdayPrincess5/1/06 Proceeds benefit@mambamambacitasports,” she wrote.
Vanessa shared, “When you lace on the Kobe IV Protro ‘Mambacita’ it’s a reminder to play with joy, curiosity and competitiveness, while never taking any opportunity for granted, just like Gigi. Available starting 5.1, dropping on SNKRS in select regions. All proceeds benefit the@mambamambacitasportsfoundation.”
Taylor Hill/Getty Images
In March, Vanessa and her daughtersNatalia, 20,Bianka, 6, and Capri, 3, honored the lateKobe Bryantduring an emotional ceremony unveiling his handprints at the iconic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
“I’m honored to be here today to recognize the man that we all knew and love my dad, Kobe Bryant,” Natalia said during her speech at the event.
Calling Kobe the “MVP of girl dads,” she spoke about witnessing his intense work ethic as a basketball player and how despite his busy schedule, the Laker legend always made time for his four daughters.
“Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” she said.
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Vanessa Bryant and daughters.John Salangsang/Shutterstock
Ending her speech, Natalia said that they will love Kobe “forever and always,” and made sure to includeGianna, whodied in the helicopter crash alongside their dad, in her regards.
“Dad, you’re an icon, a legend, the storyteller, and most importantly, the best girl dad any young woman could ever dream of,” she said. “I’m honored to be here to represent you and our family, and we are extremely proud of you. We will love you forever and always. Love, Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, Capri and Mommy.”
source: people.com
