Photo Courtesy of Instagram/ Vanessa Bryant
On Monday, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s widow, posted a sentimental tribute to her husband on social media on what would have been his 43rd birthday.
“Happy birthday, Papi. Te Amo, por siempre. Amor Eterno,” Vanessa wrote, saying she’ll love him forever and that he’s her eternal love.
Kobe’s sister, Sharia Washington, also shared an emotional post in memory of her late brother.
Washinton penned, “8.23.2021 I should be texting you funny memes about getting old and gray and laughing at your smartass comebacks. Just one of your many talents. We celebrate you today and every day as you continue to inspire so many people all around the world. Happy birthday, Bean! Thank you for always keeping it real! Love you always!”
Natalia Bryant, Kobe’s eldest daughter, also took to social media and shared a throwback photo of her and her dad in honor of his birthday.
The young girl captioned the adorable post, “Happy Birthday, Daddy.”
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According to People, in 2020, August 24 was designated as “Kobe Bryant Day,” a date that features both jersey numbers 8 and 24 that Kobe wore during his career, which lasted two decades.
On January 26, 2020, Kobe, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other passengers were killed in a helicopter crash leaving Calabasas, California.
Following the basketball star’s death, Vanessa took the leadership of Granity Studios, Kobe’s multi-media company. She also relaunched his non-profit charity foundation, Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which was created in honor of Kobe and Gianna and aids in the personal development of young girls, and provides equal opportunities to athletes with lower resources.