Vanessa Bryant continues to focus on family and healing following the tragic deaths of her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash nearly 19 months ago. For fans, Kobe was a legendary NBA player, known as one of the greatest athletes of all time. But to Vanessa, he was simply her husband and a devoted father to their daughters.
On August 23, the day Kobe would have turned 43, fans worldwide paid tribute to the former Los Angeles Lakers star. Meanwhile, many wondered how Vanessa and her family were coping in the aftermath of such a profound loss. According to sources, Vanessa is still in the process of healing, focusing primarily on her three surviving children—Natalia, 18, Bianka, 4, and Capri, 2.
A source close to Vanessa revealed that she is not currently dating and may not for a long time. “Kobe was her one and only,” the insider shared with E! News. Vanessa has been prioritizing her mental health by staying out of the public eye as much as possible. Despite receiving numerous invitations to celebrity events, she usually opts to stay low-key, focusing instead on her family.
Vanessa’s Instagram is a testament to her commitment to creating joyful memories with her daughters. Whether it’s trips to Disneyland or private getaways to Mexico with close friends like Ciara and LaLa Anthony, Vanessa is dedicated to living life fully, even as she navigates her grief.
However, not every day is easy. On August 19, Vanessa shared an emotional moment on Instagram as she helped her eldest daughter, Natalia, start a new chapter at the University of Southern California. “Today was rough. (This was before the tears came down),” she wrote, expressing both pride and the pain of watching her daughter grow up without Kobe and Gianna by their side.
Through her grief, Vanessa has also worked to honor Kobe’s legacy. She continues to support the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a charity dedicated to underserved athletes, and participates in events that celebrate Kobe’s life, such as his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. “There will never be anyone like Kobe. Kobe was one-of-a-kind,” Vanessa said during the ceremony. “He was special. He was humble. Off the court. But bigger than life.”
Vanessa also expressed deep gratitude for the friends and family who have stood by her during this difficult time, helping to support her and her daughters. “To all of our close friends and family that have been present for my girls and I, thank you,” she said. “That list is long and it takes a village, but know that your kindness and love does not go unappreciated. I know that Kobe is thankful that you are all coming through for his girls. We love you all and are forever grateful for you.”
To mark Kobe’s birthday, Vanessa shared a touching throwback photo on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt message: “Happy birthday, Papi,” she wrote. “Te Amo por siempre. Amor Eterno. 43.” This poignant tribute reflects the enduring love and bond she will always share with Kobe, even as she continues to navigate life without him.
