Natalia Bryant can sense the relentless march of time, yet alongside her, Taylor Swift stands as a steadfast companion. Indeed, the Grammy-adorned artist made a稀有的return to TikTok, celebrating Natalia’s graduation from the prestigious University of Southern California by favoriting a video the 22-year-old posted, adorned in her graduation gown and stole.
On May 19th, the clip captured Natalia—the eldest daughter of Vanessa Bryant and the late, legendary Kobe Bryant—embracing three friends, their voices harmonizing with Taylor’s “Nothing New.” Lip-syncing the lyrics, “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22? And will you still want me when I’m nothing new?” Natalia’s enthusiasm was palpable.
Taylor’s like on the video marked her first foray back into TikTok since wrapping up her Eras Tour in December, following nearly two exhilarating years on the road. Swifties, ever-vigilant, quickly took note. One user commented on Natalia’s video, “TAYLOR LIKED IT! This is such an adorable sign of life,” while another simply exclaimed, “MOTHER IS ACTIVE AGAIN!”
Yet, Taylor’s return to celebrate Natalia’s graduation comes as no shock. It’s no hidden fact that the entire Bryant family are avid Swifties—a love Natalia proudly admits she inherited from both her parents. During an interview with Erin Lim Rhodes on E! News’ The Rundown at the Revolve Festival in 2024, Natalia revealed, “Both my parents, absolutely. I actually found my original concert t-shirt from Taylor Swift’s very first concert. I still cherish it to this day.”
Prior to his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020, which also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, Kobe was known to draw inspiration from Taylor’s music. During a 2019 appearance on The Jordan Harbinger Show, the NBA legend shared, “I think it’s crucial to listen to people who excel in their fields.” He continued, “Taylor has been at the pinnacle for an incredibly long time. It doesn’t matter if you like her music or not; just look at what she’s accomplished. It’s daunting and unbelievable. I strive to learn from such examples as much as I can.”
Thus, when Vanessa attended the Eras Tour in August 2023, accompanied by Natalia, as well as her younger daughters Bianka, 8, and Capri, 5, she honored Kobe’s memory by wearing a jean jacket bearing his image on the back. Following the concert, Vanessa posted on social media, “We love you, @taylorswift,” a testament to the family’s enduring admiration for the iconic artist.
