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Vanessa Bryant Thanks Natalia, 18, For ‘Helping With Her Sisters’ After Kobe’s Death In Bday Tribute

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Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Bryant and Natalia Bryant 'A Wrinkle in Time' film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 26 Feb 2018
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]
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna who tragically died in a helicopter crash seen for the last time on Saturday at the Kobe's Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. 25 Jan 2020 Pictured: Kobe Bryant and Gianna. Photo credit: RMG News/MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA594919_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency] View Gallery View Gallery 22 Photos.
Deputy Editor of New York City

Natalia Bryant turns 18 on Jan. 19, and in honor of the big day, her mom, Vanessa Bryant, wrote the most touching tribute to honor her oldest daughter.

In the nearly one year since Kobe Bryant’s death, Natalia Bryant has been her mom, Vanessa Bryant’s, rock. Natalia celebrated her 18th birthday on Jan. 19, and Vanessa took to Instagram with a series of throwback photos and sweet messages for her girl. She gushed over her favorite qualities about Natalia, and thanked her for stepping up to help raise her younger sisters, Bianka, 4, and Capri, 1, after Kobe’s passing.

“Mommy and Daddy are so proud of the young lady that you are,” Vanessa gushed. “You have displayed so much strength and grace throughout the most difficult year of our lives. Thank you for stepping in to help me with your little sisters. You’re such an incredible big sister and a beautiful role model to so many people. Thank you for being kind, polite, gracious in everything you do. You have no idea how happy and proud mommy and daddy are that you’re our daughter. We love you always and forever, forever and always.”

vanessa kobe natalia gianna brant
Vanessa and Natalia Bryant with Kobe and Gianna on the red carpet. (Sthanlee Mirador/Sipa USA)

Vanessa shared a series of photos of Natalia taken at a photo shoot, as well as the most adorable throwback pic of her as a baby, being held by Kobe on the basketball court. There was also a shot of Vanessa, Kobe, and baby Natalia sitting in the middle of the Los Angeles Lakers emblem at the Staples Center. “Daddy’s little princess,” Vanessa wrote alongside one of the images.

Natalia’s birthday comes just one week ahead of the anniversary of Kobe’s tragic death. The NBA star died alongside his and Vanessa’s second oldest daughter, Gianna Bryant, 13, in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. However, amidst this extremely difficult time, the Bryant family also has a lot to celebrate, as Natalia is currently preparing to head off to college later this year.

Earlier this month, Vanessa revealed that New York University is one of Natalia’s top choices for college. Of course, if the proud mom has her way, her girl will stay much closer to home in California! She also shared that Natalia is considering the University of Southern California as another option. In just a few short months, the acceptance letters will go out and a decision will be made.