Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the most talented basketball players of all time. While the Los Angeles Lakers legend dazzled on the court for two decades, his undying love for his family was also something fans will never forget about him. On Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe, daughter Gianna and seven others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash while heading to a basketball game in southern California, leaving behind his wife of nearly 20 years, Vanessa, and three other daughters.
"They were funny, happy, silly, and they loved life," Vanessa said at their joint memorial at Staples Center on Feb. 24, 2020. "They were so full of joy and adventure. God knew they couldn't be on this earth without each other. He had to bring them home to heaven together. Babe, you take care of our Gigi, and I got Nani, BB, and Koko. We're still the best team."
For those with limited knowledge about his three surviving daughters, scroll on to find tidbits and facts about Nani, BB and Koko.
1. Natalia Diamante Bryant is currently a student at USC.
The couple's first daughter, Natalia "Nani" Diamante Bryant, was born on Jan. 19, 2003. She was a volleyball player in high school, and in February, Nani signed her first modeling contract with IMG Models Worldwide.
Since then, the current USC freshman has appeared in numerous campaigns, most recently
Beyonce's Ivy Park Halls of Ivy apparel and footwear collection.
In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue published in September, Nani revealed how she, younger sisters and Vanessa continue to cope with the untimely passing of her father and sister.
"You do the best that you can. [For] my little sisters [we're] trying to keep that memory for them. And also just trying to remember to live out every day the way they would," she said.
2. Gianna "Gigi" Bryant wanted to walk in her father's athletic footsteps.
The Bryant's second oldest, Gianna, affectionately known as Gigi, was born on May 1, 2006. A force on the basketball court, Gigi hoped to attend and play at the University of Connecticut before her life was tragically cut short on the Jan. 26 accident.
During their emotional memorial service, Vanessa shared tearful memories of the two during her 13 years on earth.
"My baby girl, Gianna Bryant, is an amazingly sweet and gentle soul. She was always thoughtful. She always kissed me good night and kissed me good morning. There are a few occasions where I was absolutely tired from being up with Bianka and Capri, and I thought she had left to school without saying goodbye. I text without saying 'no kiss?' and Gianna would reply with 'Mama, I kissed you. You were asleep and I didn’t want to wake you.' She knew how much her morning and evening kisses meant to me and she was so thoughtful to remember to kiss me every day. She was Daddy's girl, but I know she loved her mama and she would always tell me and show me how much she loved me. She was one of my very best friends."
3. Bianka Bella "BB" Bryant is Kobe and Vanessa's second-youngest daughter.
Bianka, or BB, was born on Dec. 5, 2016.
If you take a peek through Vanessa's Instagram, you'll notice candid shots of her playing alongside here sisters and other family friends. On her fifth birthday, Vanessa penned a heartwarming post to little BB on Instagram.
"Happy 5th Birthday Bianka Bella! We love you so much. You are inquisitive, spunky, vivacious, energetic, funny and so much more. I love you baby girl!!!! You and your sisters are the joy of my life. Happy Birthday, B.B.!!!!! It’s your GOLDEN birthday!!!"
4. Capri Kobe Bryant is the couple's youngest daughter.
Capri, or Koko, was born on June 20, 2019. As her middle name might suggest, Capri is definitely Kobe's look-a-like, too.
"It's the KOBE stare for me~Capri Kobe," Vanessa captioned in an April shot of her sitting on a pillow. "Daddy and Gigi's twin."
The loss of Kobe, Gigi and the seven other individuals will feel immeasurable to many for the rest of their lives. However, it's comforting to see the love Vanessa, Nani, BB and Koko share for not only each other, but also their late father and sister.
