In honor of Kobe Bryant’s 44th birthday, the NBA community banded together to remember the late Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a tragic helicopter crash a few years ago.
Among the many voices online this Tuesday was Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow and mother of Gianna (who also passed in the crash), Natalia, Capri, and Bianka. Unsurprisingly, she made a special post on Instagram commemorating the birthday of her late husband.
“Happy birthday, baby!” the 40-year-old said in a post. I love you and miss you so much! #44 ❤️ @kobebryant”
Vanessa was with Kobe for 20 years after meeting on the set of a music video in 1999. Within a few years, the couple was married and welcomed their first child, Natalia.
Of course, there were plenty of hard times along the way, especially when Bryant’s affair hit the public spotlight around 2003. But the couple endured and survived, reconciling their relationship to become a model for couples all around the globe.
Besides Vanessa, Kobe’s sister, Sharia Washington, also dedicated a special post to her brother.
8.23.78 You were born for greatness. ❤️ Happy birthday Bean! #44 “A lot of people say they want to be great, but they’re not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve greatness.” – KB
Bryant was more than an athlete. He was a champion, a pioneer, and a role model for countless individuals, both young and old. He taught us all values like hard work, dedication, and loyalty — which are all things that he exemplified during his career.
So today, on what would have been Kobe’s 44th birthday, the basketball world is celebrating much more than his career, they are celebrating his life and all the amazing ways he impacted the Earth.
