Vanessa Bryant Honors Late Daughter Gigi's 14th Birthday with an Emotional Post

Vanessa Bryant, wife of the late NBA star, Kobe Bryant, and mother of Gigi Bryant, took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute to her late daughter on her posthumous birthday.

January 26 was a dark day for basketball and the world at large following the death of one of NBA's greatest ever players, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gigi, and seven others in a fatal helicopter crash.

Kobe and his wife, Vanessa, were parents to four adorable daughters, including the late Gigi, daughters of whom the late star was most proud.

Gigi Bryant was born on May 1, 2006, and on a day that would have been her 14th birthday, her mother took to Instagram to pay tribute to her. In the post, Vanessa shared a lovely picture of Gigi smiling happily.

In the caption to the post, Vanessa wished her sweet baby girl a happy 14th birthday, adding that she loves her more than she can ever show. Vanessa also wrote:

"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!!!!!!"

Vanessa posted more tributes to her daughter on her Instagram Story. She shared a tribute from a fan that showed a picture of Gigi and her father watching a basketball game, and in the caption, wished her a happy heavenly birthday.

Vanessa also shared more tributes from fans, including a post from Robin Roberts, in which he wished Gigi a happy birthday, and also shared an inspiring story.

Natalia Bryant, Kobe and Vanessa's eldest daughter, and Gigi's sister also paid tribute to her late sibling with a post on Instagram.

Vanessa Bryant had a strong bond with Gigi, despite the latter being daddy's girl. The proud mom spoke about her and her daughter's close bond during the Memorial service in Kobe and Gigi's honor in February.

There, Vanessa said that Gigi loved her and always told her and showed her how much she did. She also noted that Gigi was one of her best friends.

Natalia Bryant, Kobe and Vanessa's eldest daughter, and Gigi's sister, also paid tribute to her late sibling with a post on Instagram. In the post, she shared a lovely picture of her and Gigi hugging.

In the caption to the post, Natalie wrote about how she misses Gigi's smile every day, adding that she knew the latter was always smiling down on them from heaven along with their father.