It’s been only a few days since the tragic news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s death shook the entire world. The whole world mourned the sudden passing of Kobe, with tributes to the basketball star instantly appearing in all parts of the globe.
While millions of people are saddened by the sudden loss, a lot of people also sympathized with the family that he and his daughter Gianna left behind. Vanessa Bryant, widow of Kobe, released a statement for the first time since her husband’s death.
Today, she posted a family photo on her Instagram account with a message to the people who expressed their love for her late husband and daughter.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B77K8XWDY7O/
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.
There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.
I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.
Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality.
To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org.
To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org.Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba#Mambacita#GirlsDad#DaddysGirls#Family ❤️”
In the post, Vanessa expresses her complete devastation by the sudden loss of her “adoring husband, Kobe”, and her “beautiful, sweet Gianna”.
She also thanks fans from all over the world for “sharing your joy, your grief, and your support” with the family. She also asks that respect and privacy be granted to them as they “navigate this new reality”.
Millions also expressed their support towards the family through the comments on Vanessa’s post.
Vanessa and Kobe Bryant were married for 19 years and have four daughters.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad!
