Who Is Vanessa Bryant?
Vanessa Bryant is the wife of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. She is known for her strength, love for family, and work to continue Kobe’s legacy.
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She was born Vanessa Cornejo Urbieta on May 5, 1982, in California, USA. She is of Mexican descent and grew up in the Los Angeles area.
How Did Vanessa Meet Kobe Bryant?
Vanessa met Kobe Bryant 1999, when she was just 17 years old and still in high school. At time, Kobe was 20 and already playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
They met while Vanessa was working as a background dancer in a music video. Kobe was visiting the set and was immediately interested in her. The two quickly started dating.
Despite her young age and the attention from the media, Vanessa stayed strong and loyal. Kobe once said Vanessa was his “backbone” and a big part of his success.
The Wedding of Kobe and Vanessa
Kobe and Vanessa got married on April 18, 2001, in a small ceremony. At the time, not all of Kobe’s family supported the marriage, but over time, many came to respect their love and bond.
Even with the spotlight on their relationship, Vanessa and Kobe stayed together for almost 20 years, showing strength through ups and downs.
Family Life With Kobe
Four Beautiful Daughters
Vanessa and Kobe had four daughters together:
- Natalia (born 2003)
- Gianna (born 2006—sadly passed away in 2020)
- Bianka (born 2016)
- Capri (born 2019)
Vanessa often said being a mother was her most important role. She was a full-time mom, always supporting her daughters and her husband.
Kobe often praised Vanessa, calling her a “wonderful mother and wife.”
The Tragic Loss of Kobe and Gianna
On January 26, 2020, Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a tragic helicopter crash, along with seven others.
The news shocked the world. Vanessa’s pain was deep, but she showed strength during this hard time. She gave a moving speech at their memorial and continued to honor their memory.
Vanessa’s Strength After the Loss
After Kobe’s death, Vanessa focused on protecting her family and continuing his legacy. She also started the Mambacita clothing line in honor of Gianna.
Vanessa is now more public, speaking at events and standing up for justice, truth, and Kobe’s memory.
Vanessa’s Work and Legacy
Business and Charity
Vanessa has become a strong leader in both business and charity. She supports causes like
- Women’s sports
- Youth programs
- Grief support
She also continues Kobe’s dream of helping others through sports and education.
Fighting for Justice
Vanessa has also fought legal battles to protect her family’s dignity. She stood strong against those who tried to share photos from the crash site and won a major case in 2022, showing her bravery.
Why People Admire Vanessa Bryant
- She is strong in the face of tragedy.
- She is a loving mother and a role model for women.
- She works hard to keep Kobe and Gianna’s legacy alive.
- She shows grace, courage, and heart in all she does.
Conclusion
Vanessa Bryant is much more than just Kobe Bryant’s wife. She is a strong, smart, and loving woman who continues to inspire people around the world. Her love for her family and her strength in hard times show us all the meaning of grace, loyalty, and courage.
She keeps the light of Kobe and Gianna shining and proves every day that love and strength can carry us through even the darkest times.
FAQs
What is Vanessa Bryant’s full name?
Her full name is Vanessa Cornejo Urbieta Bryant.
How old is Vanessa Bryant?
She was born on May 5, 1982, which makes her 43 years old in 2025.
How many children does Vanessa Bryant have?
She has four daughters. Sadly, her second daughter, Gianna, passed away in 2020.
What does Vanessa Bryant do now?
She runs the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, leads her family business, and supports many charities.
Did Vanessa Bryant remarry after Kobe’s death?
No, Vanessa has not remarried. She remains focused on her daughters and honoring Kobe and Gianna’s memory.