Natalia Bryant, 17, Wishes Late Dad Kobe ‘Happy Birthday’ With Moving Tribute: ‘I Love You Forever & Always’

The late Kobe Bryant's eldest daughter, Natalia Bryant, has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her dad on what would have been his 42nd birthday.

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August 23, 2020 1:53PM EDT
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Gianna Bryant sits on the shoulders of her father, Kobe Bryant, as they attend the women's soccer match between the United States and China, in San DiegoChina USA Women soccer, San Diego, USA
The retirement of the Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant's #8 and #24 jerseys was held Monday December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California during half time of the game between with the Golden State Warriors. Kobe Bryant with his family (L-R) Gianna Maria-Onore, wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant holding Bianka Bella and Natalia Diamante. 18 Dec 2017 Pictured: The retirement of the Los Angeles Lakers player, Kobe Bryant's #8 and #24 jerseys was held Monday December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California during half time of the game between with the Golden State Warriors. Kobe Bryant with his family (L-R) Gianna Maria-Onore, wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, Kobe Bryant holding Bianka Bella and Natalia Diamante. Photo credit: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA135063_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]

Natalia Bryant tragically lost her father Kobe Bryant and younger sis Gianna earlier this year — and the 17-year-old is missing her late dad’s “big bear hugs”. She paid tribute to her father in a heartrending Instagram post on August 23: what would have been his 42nd birthday. “Happy Birthday Dad I miss your smile, laugh and big bear hugs. Happy Birthday to the best movie buddy I could have ever asked for,” she captioned the throwback photo of the pair. “I will always remember our late night drives to the movie theater with the windows rolled down and listening to our favorite songs. I love you forever and always. Always, Slim”

The sweet photo showed a very young Natalia in her dad’s arms with a face painting of Elmo on her cheek and a pink headband around her tiny head. Kobe looked at his daughter adoringly and laughed with her as he put his hand near her chin.

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Kobe Bryant’s daughter posted a sweet tribute to her late dad. Image: MEGA

Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant has also opened up about the tremendous loss her family has suffered, and paid tribute to her late husband. “Happy Birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain,” she began. “I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU! I wish I could make your fav food or a birthday cake with my Gigi. I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud a** deep laugh.”