Vanessa Bryant is paying a poignant tribute to her beloved late husband, Kobe Bryant, by commemorating their wedding anniversary in a deeply moving Instagram post on April 18th, 2024. On this special day, the philanthropic figure chose to honor their love with a heartfelt image that transported followers back in time.
Their love story began in the summer of 1999, blossoming into engagement within just six months, and culminating in a private ceremony at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California, on April 18th, 2001. Only a dozen close friends and family members witnessed the couple's nuptials, making the occasion even more intimate and special.
Vanessa's Instagram post, which marked their 24th anniversary, featured a poignant nod to Kobe's iconic No. 24 Los Angeles Lakers jersey. Accompanying a snap of the couple at the Rush Hour 2 premiere in July 2001, the 42-year-old captioned the post, "#24. #Anniversary @kobebryant 4/18/01," paying homage to the man who stole her heart.
Together, Vanessa and Kobe welcomed four daughters into their lives: Natalia, now 22, Bianka, 8, Capri, 5, and the late, beloved Gianna. Tragically, on January 26th, 2020, Gianna, then 13, and Kobe, aged 41, were among nine individuals who lost their lives in a helicopter crash.
As the fifth anniversary of Kobe and Gianna's untimely passing loomed, Vanessa announced the impending release of "Mamba & Mambacita Forever," a compilation of over 100 murals and the stories behind them, each one a testament to the enduring legacy of the Bryant family. The book, set for release on August 19th, just days before Kobe Bryant Day on August 24th, brings together the images and heartfelt narratives of the public art installations that have honored the Bryants' memory.
In the years since losing her "soulmate" and her "baby girl," Vanessa and her family have honored their memories through a series of memorials, ensuring their spirits live on. In August, the Lakers and Vanessa unveiled a bronze statue titled "Girl Dad" outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a poignant reminder of the unbreakable bond they shared.
