Vanessa Bryant celebrated a bittersweet milestone as her daughter Bianka, affectionately nicknamed “BB,” turned 8 years old. The occasion holds special meaning as the number 8 was famously worn by her late husband, Kobe Bryant, during the first half of his storied career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Heartfelt Birthday Wishes:
Vanessa took to Instagram to share a touching tribute:
“BB-8! BB is 8 today! Happy birthday to our Sunshine. We love you so much, Bianka! You bring so much love and laughter into our lives. You are so loved, mama! You say it’s your BB8 birthday, and I’ll keep reminding you it’s your daddy (#8) year.”
Bianka’s Summer Tribute:
- Earlier this year, Bianka honored her father’s legacy by throwing the opening pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- The event was tied to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, created in memory of Kobe and Gianna Bryant after their tragic passing in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Vanessa’s Ongoing Efforts:
Vanessa has worked tirelessly to preserve Kobe and Gigi’s legacy:
- Partnering with Nike to revive Kobe’s iconic sneaker line.
- Supporting the Mamba League Invitational to promote youth sports.
- Helping unveil statues honoring Kobe and Gianna at the Crypto.com Arena.
Strength in Adversity:
Vanessa also fought for justice after the mishandling of crash-site photos by first responders, securing a $28 million settlement for the Bryant family. Throughout it all, she remains a pillar of strength for her three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
The Bryant family continues to inspire with their resilience and love, keeping the spirit of Kobe and Gigi alive in everything they do.
