At a Glance
- Vanessa Bryant marks the sixth anniversary of Kobe and Gianna’s deaths.
- She shared a nostalgic photo of the 2009 championship moment.
- She released a book preserving murals and unveiled a new statue in 2024.
Why it matters: The family’s ongoing tributes keep Kobe and Gianna’s memory alive for fans and future generations.
Vanessa Bryant marked the sixth anniversary of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna’s deaths on Monday, Jan. 26, 2024. She posted a photo on Instagram Stories that captured the Lakers’ 2009 NBA championship moment, with Kobe standing beside young Gianna.
The Anniversary Moment
The Instagram story featured a snapshot from the 2009 championship game, where Kobe celebrated with Gianna. At the bottom of the image, Vanessa added two red hearts to honor their love. The post was shared with a brief caption that reminded followers of the couple’s legacy.
A Legacy in Art
In May, Vanessa announced the release of Mamba & Mambacita Forever, a book that compiles over 100 murals dedicated to Kobe and Gianna. The book was launched in November, following a five-year memorial period. The murals, many of which are outdoors, risk fading, so the book aims to preserve them.
“As difficult as it was to work on this book due to the painful reminder it represents, I’m glad I did it,” Vanessa told News Of Los Angeles in October. “The murals of Kobe and Gianna are all so beautiful, but the majority of them are outside and will unfortunately fade or get damaged by the elements like most murals do over time. I wanted to make sure we preserved them.”
“This book gives us an opportunity to look back on them forever,” she continued. “A book that friends, family and fans can have at home or in their offices with their favorite murals opened on display.”
Memorials Beyond the Book
Beyond the book, the family has added other memorials. In August 2024, the Lakers and Vanessa unveiled a bronze statue titled “Girl Dad” outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The statue honors Kobe’s devotion to his daughters.
Earlier, in March 2021, Vanessa shared a personal reflection on coping with loss. “This pain is unimaginable [but] you just have to get up and push forward,” she told News Of Los Angeles. “Lying in bed crying isn’t going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again. But getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me. So that’s what I do.”
The anniversary also recalled the tragic helicopter crash on Jan. 27, 2016, which claimed the lives of Kobe (41), Gianna (13), and several teammates and friends, including Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and their daughter Alyssa Altobelli.
Family and Friends
Kobe and Vanessa had four daughters together: Natalia (23), Bianka (9), Capri (6), and the late Gianna (13). In May, Vanessa celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt post, honoring the love that endured for two decades.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 27, 2016 | Helicopter crash kills Kobe, Gianna, and teammates |
| 2009 | Lakers win NBA championship; photo used for anniversary |
| May 2023 | Vanessa announces Mamba & Mambacita Forever book |
| Nov. 2023 | Book released, featuring over 100 murals |
| Jan. 26, 2024 | Vanessa posts Instagram story for sixth anniversary |
| Aug. 2024 | “Girl Dad” statue unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena |
Key Takeaways
- Vanessa Bryant continues to honor Kobe and Gianna through public tributes.
- The book preserves over 100 murals that risk fading.
- A bronze statue, “Girl Dad,” adds a physical memorial in Los Angeles.
- Vanessa’s reflections show resilience and a focus on moving forward.
