On Tuesday, Kobe Bryant would have turned 44. His wife, Vanessa, shared a touching birthday message on Instagram, saying how much she loves and misses him.
In 2009, the year Kobe won his fourth NBA championship and his first NBA Finals MVP award, Vanessa shared a selfie of herself and her NBA legend husband.
You can see Bryant giving Vanessa a bear hug after the game while sporting his 2009 NBA Championship shirt and hat. They were both beaming.
The 40-year-old wished the infant a happy birthday on Tuesday.
“I love you and miss you so much! #44 ❤️ @kobebryant”
Since Kobe — who she married in April 2001 — and daughter Gigi‘s untimely death, Vanessa has been honoring them in countless ways … including getting tattoos in their honor, launching the Mambacita clothing line, and taking her 3 other daughters to Italy — where Kobe was raised.
“Visited Reggio Calabria,” Vanessa said in July, “a city my husband lived in when he was about 8 years old.”
Of course, Bryant went on to play 20 seasons in the NBA — winning 5 championships and 2 NBA Finals MVP … was an 18-time NBA All-Star, broke numerous records, and is known as one of the best NBA players ever.
Happy Bday, Kobe!