Vanessa Bryant Shares Heartbreaking Photo On Kobe's 48th Birthday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Aug 23, 2026 2:04 PM ET

Vanessa Bryant is remembering her late husband, Kobe Bryant, on what would be his 48th birthday on Sunday, August 23.

The legendary NBA star, who died in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in January 2020, was born on this day in August of 1978. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bryant went on to star in the NBA for 20 seasons, playing for the Lakers.

In January 2020, Bryant and eight others were killed when a helicopter crashed into the mountains in Calabasas, California. News of Bryant’s death shook the sports world. The NBA world is continuing to mourn him.

On Sunday, Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to pay tribute to her late husband with a heartbreaking photo.

“Happy birthday, baby. I love you so much. ❤️ 8/23,” she shared on social media.

NBA community mourning Kobe on Sunday

“I want to wish a happy heavenly birthday to Kobe Bryant! ,” Magic Johnson posted on X.

The Lakers added: “Icon. Legend. Laker. Happy Birthday, Kobe .”

“Sending you love and hugs your beautiful man’s birthday♥️,” one fan added.

“❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” another shared.

NBA legend Dwyane Wade is among those to speak out on the impact Kobe Bryant had over the years, too.

“Oh he different…I saw things in him that I was like I have those things but I also saw a difference. This is why he’s as great as he is……He was my favorite in the Olympics, man. I was like a magnet anytime I got a chance to be around Kobe. Because I’m just soaking it up. And he’s one of my favorite players,” Wade said of playing alongside Kobe Bryant at the Summer Olympics.

Our thoughts continue to be with Kobe Bryant’s friends and family members during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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