Kobe Bryant and his family (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, has offered a heartwarming tribute to their daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, on what would have been her 18th birthday.

Kobe and Gigi shockingly died in a tragic helicopter crash that claimed seven other lives in 2020.

The former Los Angeles Lakers star, who retired in 2016, had dedicated his time to his daughters after calling curtains on his career in 2016. Gigi was keen on following her dad’s footsteps and becoming a professional basketball player, with dreams of playing for UConn and moving up to the WNBA.

Kobe fully supported that dream and coached her youth basketball team. They were flying to her basketball game when they died on January 26, 2020.

As mentioned above, this Wednesday would have been her 18th birthday. Her mom took to social media to wish her late daughter a happy birthday.

“Happy birthday to my gorgeous girl, Gigi!” She said in an Instagram post.

“I love you. I miss you. I’m so proud of you. You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls daily.”

Vanessa Bryant Honored Her Daughter With A Touching Video Tribute

Vanessa Bryant also noted that 2024 would have been the year her daughter would have graduated from high school and chosen a college to attend, though she claims she would have tried to get her to stay close to home.

“2024 was your year. You would’ve been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to,” she wrote.

Kobe’s former team is planning to add Gigi to Kobe’s statues outside their Crypto.com Arena. There is also a bronze statue at the crash site honoring them both.