Gianna Bryant will never be forgotten.
For what would have been her 16th birthday, Vanessa and Natalia Bryant took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late teen in a series of posts. The 39-year-old momma shared a video that she narrated featuring sweet sketches of Gigi and her late husband Kobe Bryant done in a similar style as his award-winning animated short Dear Basketball. She said:
“Dear Gianna, from the first time you imagined winning a WNBA championship, I knew one thing was real — you were special. You came from greatness, but it was never about what you inherited. It was about what you gave to others. When someone stands up for gender equality, I see you standing up alongside them. And every time someone plays her hardest, I know that’s you on the court. Love you always, basketball.”
Related: Why Natalia Bryant Quit Sports After Kobe & Gianna Tragically Passed Away
You can see the beautiful tribute HERE. She also posted a picture and video of Gianna on the basketball court, writing in the caption:
“Happy 16th birthday baby girl. I love you Gigi! We miss you so much.”
Meanwhile, Natalia shared a throwback picture of herself kissing her little sister on the cheek as she smiles:
“happy sweet sixteen my dearest gigi I love you to the moon and back forever & always.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdBMzV-rmSa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We are keeping the Bryant family in our thoughts during what we can imagine must be a difficult day.
[Image via Vanessa Bryant/Instagram, WENN]