Vanessa Bryant marked what would have been her and Kobe Bryant’s 24th wedding anniversary on Friday with a deeply emotional tribute that had fans remembering not just a love story, but a legacy that transcends basketball.
The milestone-24 years of marriage-matched the iconic No. 24 jersey worn by the late Lakers legend, amplifying the heartbreak and love behind her message. Posting to Instagram, Vanessa shared a nostalgic photo of her and Kobe looking blissfully young and in love, with Vanessa sporting dyed hair in a rare throwback.
She simply captioned it, “#24 #Anniversary @kobebryant 4/18/01,” letting the image and the memory speak volumes. The two married on April 18, 2001, in a small, private ceremony with just 12 people in Dana Point, California.
For Vanessa, 24 is more than just a number
The post comes just over five years after the devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe, their 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi,” and seven others. While the world continues to mourn the loss of the Black Mamba, Vanessa has kept his spirit alive through intimate family moments and emotional tributes.
“This number isn’t just about jerseys or banners,” she once said. “It’s about emotion. It’s about absence. It’s about love that doesn’t end.” The number 24 now symbolizes more than his career-it marks the years they shared together.
Vanessa has leaned on close friends like Pau Gasol and his wife, and power couple Ciara and Russell Wilson, who surprised her with thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts. Her strength also comes from her daughters-Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 5-who continue to bring light and joy into her life.
Kobe is present in every moment of Vanessa’s life
From sweet ski trips with the Gasols to Dodger games with Natalia, Vanessa frequently shares snapshots of her life as she navigates grief and celebration all at once. Earlier this year, she also paid tribute to Kobe when his favorite NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, won the Super Bowl, sharing a video in his honor.
As April 18 came and went, the world was reminded that legends never truly leave us-and that love like Kobe and Vanessa’s is eternal. Happy 24th anniversary to a couple whose bond will forever echo in hearts everywhere.
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