Vanessa Bryant is celebrating what would have been her daughter Gianna’s 14th birthday with a touching tribute.
On Friday, Vanessa shared an Instagram photo of her and Kobe Bryant’s second-oldest daughter, who died in a helicopter crash alongside her father in January, to mark the occasion.
“Happy 14th birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna,” Vanessa captioned a photo of a smiling Gianna, who went by the nickname Gigi. “Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever.
“I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!!”
Vanessa’s emotional post comes amid an outpouring of birthday tributes from fans and professional sports players to Gianna, who was following in her father’s footsteps and working towards becoming a basketball star before her death.
Earlier this month, Vanessa, who is also the mother of daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, three, and 10-month-old Capri, remembered her late daughter on social media after Gianna and her two Mamba Academy teammates, Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, who died in the crash as well, were named honorary picks during the WNBA draft.
Sharing a photo of Gianna wearing a Mamba jersey while playing basketball, the mother-of-four wrote: “I’m so proud of you, Gigi. God I miss you baby. You deserved to live a long, healthy and happy life. I wish I could hold you and tell you how proud I am of you.
“You’re the best, baby girl. Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express.”
The proud mother also added that Gianna was the “youngest draft pick”.
