Vanessa Bryant’s Emotional Tribute: Honoring Gianna on Her 19th Birthday—Five Years After Tragic Loss, Heartbreaking Message Stuns Fans and Celebrities Alike

Gianna and her father Kobe Bryant were tragically killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020

Vanessa Bryant; Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant

Vanessa Bryant (left) and Gianna with Kobe Bryant (right).Credit : Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty

Vanessa Bryant is honoring her daughter on what would have been her 19th birthday.

On Thursday, May 1, the mom of four shared a tribute on Instagram, commemorating her late daughter Gianna “Gigi” on her birthday. Posting a photo of Gigi in her basketball uniform, Vanessa took a moment to honor her oldest with a sweet message.

“Happy birthday, Gigi! Mommy loves and misses you more than I could ever express. I love you Gianna. ❤️19 ♉️ 5/1 #Mambacita,” wrote Vanessa.

Alongside Gianna, Vanessa shares daughters Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 5, with her late husband, Kobe Bryant.

Vanessa Bryant (L) and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant attend a basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 29, 2015

Vanessa Bryant (L) and Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant attend a basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 29, 2015.Noel Vasquez/GC Images

Gianna and her father Kobe Bryant were tragically killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.

Last month, Vanessa was thinking of her late daughter Gigi as the University of Connecticut Huskies became the 2025 NCAA champions.

After the Huskies handily defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in the championship game on April 6, Vanessa shared a tribute to both the team and her daughter on Instagram.

Reposting UConn’s official graphic announcing they were the champs, Vanessa wrote, “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you.”

Vanessa Bryant (R) and daughters Natalia (L) and Gianna (C) pose for a photograph during a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Vanessa Bryant (R) and daughters Natalia (L) and Gianna (C) pose for a photograph during a game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty

In quotes, she added, ”When you think you can’t, UCONN’ – Gianna Bryant’” and two heart emojis, one of them broken for her late daughter, who would have been 18 years old and likely playing in March Madness.

In June, the mom of four shared a photo on her Instagram as she honored her late husband, Kobe on Father’s Day. The NBA legend was pictured next to all four of his daughters, smiling as he held daughter Capri.

Vanessa’s late daughter Gianna smiled next to Kobe, placing a hand on his shoulder. On the other side of the professional athlete, daughters Bianka and Natalia sat together.