Vanessa Bryant remembers Gianna's birthday with Instagram post: 'You are part of my soul forever'
Gianna Bryant's life was tragically cut short when the helicopter carrying her and seven others, including her father, Kobe Bryant, crashed into a California hillside on Jan. 26.
She was 13, and Friday would have marked her 14th birthday. Her mother, Kobe's widow Vanessa Bryant, posted on Instagram to mark the occasion:
"Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna. Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!!"
Both Gianna and Kobe were honored at a public celebration of life on Feb. 24. Several women's basketball luminaries, including Connecticut Huskies coach Geno Auriemma, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi and No. 1 pick Sabrina Ionescu, eulogized Gianna, nicknamed "Gigi."