At a Glance
- Kobe Bryant is celebrated as a legendary player and devoted dad to his four daughters.
- After the 2020 helicopter crash that claimed Kobe and Gianna, Vanessa Bryant keeps their legacy alive through family, charity, and public tributes.
- The daughters-Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri-continue to honor their father’s memory while carving their own paths in modeling, sports, and education.
Why it matters: Their story shows how a family can turn tragedy into ongoing inspiration and public remembrance.
Introduction
The legacy of Kobe Bryant extends beyond the basketball court. After the 2020 helicopter crash that took him and his daughter Gianna, the Bryant family has turned grief into a powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and remembrance. Each daughter follows her own path while carrying forward the lessons her father taught them.
Natalia: From Court to Catwalk
Natalia was born on January 19, 2003. From her first steps she sat beside her dad at Lakers games, watching the roar of the crowd and the echo of his voice during post-game interviews. As a teenager, she pursued a career in fashion, signing with IMG Models in 2021 when she turned 18.
> “Ever since I can remember, I wanted to model,” Natalia said in a statement shared on IMG’s Instagram.
She debuted on the runway in September 2023 at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week, describing the experience as “so special.” Earlier that year, she worked as an intern for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, a role that further broadened her creative horizons.
Natalia balances modeling with academics. She enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2021 and continues to study film while pursuing a budding modeling career. In February 2024, she graced the cover of Town & Country, speaking about her dual passions and the importance of staying present.
> “I just need to keep learning, because there’s no finish line. You just have to keep pushing and being the best person you can be,” she told the outlet.
Her connection to her father remains a source of comfort. When asked about the Mamba Mentality, she said it brings her joy.
> “I love talking about my dad,” she told Teen Vogue in 2021. “It’s bittersweet, but I enjoy talking about him more than it’s sad for me.”
Gianna: The Basketball Dream Cut Short
Gianna was born on May 1, 2006. From a young age she was enamored with basketball, and Kobe coached her team at the Mamba Sports Academy. He encouraged her to follow his footsteps into the sport.
> “Gianna’s pretty fierce. She loves playing, she loves shooting,” Kobe told Extra in July 2017.
She was 13 when she and Kobe died in the helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. The crash also claimed seven other passengers and left the family devastated. The duo was headed to the academy when the pilot lost control amid thick fog.
Vanessa has honored Gianna’s memory in many ways. She relaunched Kobe’s foundation as the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation and dedicated a basketball court in California’s Wilson Park to both parents. She also celebrated Gianna’s milestones, such as her 8th-grade graduation, by posting photos on Instagram.
In August 2024, a bronze statue of Kobe and Gianna was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena. The sculpture, titled “Girl Dad,” depicts the father-daughter duo hugging.
> “Gigi would’ve loved being there with you,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram Stories after the University of Connecticut Huskies won the 2025 NCAA championship.
Bianka: Growing Up With a Legend
Bianka was born on December 5, 2016, at 7 lbs., 5 oz. and 20 inches long. She was only four when Kobe died. After his passing, former teammate Pau Gasol stepped in to teach her basketball.
> “Uncle @paugasol,” Vanessa captioned a post of Bianka playing on the court in 2021.
In August 2023, Bianka joined her mom and sister Natalia at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The moment was sweetened when Swift hugged the young girl.
> “We love you @taylorswift,” Vanessa posted.
Bianka’s birthday in 2023 was celebrated with a post that highlighted how she brings light and joy to the family.
Capri: The Youngest Heartbeat
Capri was born on June 20, 2019, and was named after her father. She is now six years old and already shows a keen sense of family duty. Kobe’s last post before his death mentioned the arrival of “Mamba on the way” on New Year’s Day 2019.
> “Vanessa and I are beyond excited to announce that we are expecting another #mambacita,” Kobe wrote.
Capri’s early life was marked by the loss of her father. Vanessa posted a tribute photo on Capri’s first birthday, showing the baby girl surrounded by family.
> “Happy 1st Birthday Capri! Mommy, Daddy, Nani, Gigi and BB love you SO much!!!” she wrote.
Capri continues to grow in the public eye, celebrating milestones such as her 4th birthday at Disney World and a visit to Central Park Zoo with Vanessa and Bianka. She also joined the Bryant sisters at Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour stop in Los Angeles in September 2023.
Vanessa’s Tribute: Keeping the Legacy Alive
Vanessa Bryant has become the steward of Kobe’s memory. She attends public events, such as the jersey retirement ceremony at Gianna’s school, and she uses social media to keep her daughters’ father in the public consciousness.
> “My girls help me smile through the pain. They give me strength,” she told News Of Los Angeles in 2021.
She also shares her daughters’ achievements, from modeling contracts to academic milestones, ensuring that the family’s story remains visible. Her Instagram posts often include heartfelt messages that honor Kobe’s impact.
The Family’s Collective Impact
The Bryant daughters exemplify how a family can transform personal tragedy into a legacy of perseverance. From Natalia’s runway walks to Gianna’s posthumous statue, each daughter carries forward the values of hard work, love, and resilience that Kobe instilled.
Their stories remind readers that the influence of a parent can echo far beyond their lifetime, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions while honoring the past.
Key Takeaways
- Kobe Bryant was a legendary player and devoted father whose legacy lives on through his daughters.
- The family has turned grief into public remembrance, with statues, foundations, and social media tributes.
- Each daughter pursues her own path-modeling, sports, and education-while keeping their father’s lessons alive.
The Bryant family’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of a parent’s love.
