Vanessa Bryant Celebrates ‘Loving’ Daughter Natalia’s 21st Birthday and Honors ‘Best Girl Daddy’ Kobe Bryant

Vanessa Bryant pays a touching birthday tribute to her daughter Natalia.

The celeb’s 41-year-old daughter Natalia turns 21 in a heartfelt post on Friday, also remembering late husband Kobe Bryant and the close bond he shared with their eldest daughter in her messages.

On her Instagram Story, Vanessa reposted a fan page photo of Kobe sitting courtside wearing the hospital bracelet Natalia got the day she was born while The Temptations’ “My Girl” played.

“❤️Best Girl Daddy ❤️” Vanessa mentioned the late basketball star in the caption.

“One day after Natalia Bryant was born, Kobe wore his hospital ID bracelet throughout a Lakes game💜,” reads a separate caption, from Kobe Highlights & Motivation, via the post.

“Happy birthday,” Vanessa added in the form of a sticker, tagging Natalia at the end.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Vanessa remembered her late husband Kobe Bryant in her birthday tribute to daughter Natalia.

Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

The proud mom also posted a sweet video montage that includes various photos of Natalia from when she was a child until now, with her siblings and late father Kobe, while Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” played.

“Happy birthday 21st birthday @nataliabryant!!! We love you so much!!!!” Vanessa wrote in the description. “You are what every parent hopes and prays for. You are such a beautiful, strong, smart, loving young woman with the kindest soul and I am so proud to be your mom! I love you mom! ❤️😘🎂🎉❤️. ”

Vanessa with husband Kobe Bryant, Natalia and late daughter Gianna.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Natalia Bryant says mamba mindset motivates her after dad Kobe’s death: ‘The job is never done’

Vanessa has daughters Natalia, Bianca, 7, and Capri Kobe, 4, with NBA legend Kobe, who died in a helicopter crash along with their daughter Gianna – who was 13 at the time – in 2020.

Family friend Ciara also paid tribute to Natalia on Friday as she posted a glowing selfie of the pair together on Instagram, which the 21-year-old reposted.

“Happy birthday to Nana Boo @nataliabryant!” – wrote the 38-year-old singer in the description. “The Big 21!! Wow! I’m so proud of you and how you’ve been killing it! Keep shining mom! We love you very much! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️.”

Ciara also paid a birthday tribute to Natalia on Friday.

Natalia Bryant/Instagram

Natalia Bryant admits she was ‘terrified’ to make her catwalk debut at the Versace show last fall

In her recently released cover story for City and country this week, Natalia spoke about how her late father’s ambitious mindset continues to influence her, four years after his death.

“In terms of legacy, my main goal is simply to be the best version of myself that I can,” Natalia told the magazine. She added that she “understands that there are no expectations that I should have for every stage of life.”

“I just have to know that I have to keep learning because there’s no goal,” the University of SC film student and model continued. “You just have to keep pushing and be the best person you can be and absorb everything like a sponge… The work is never done.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education