Vanessa Bryant Shares Gianna's Jersey Retirement Ceremony: "God I Miss You"

BY Erika Marie 6.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Alberto E. Rodriguez / Staff / Getty Images
The Bryant Family
The teen's middle school paid tribute to their basketball star.

It was a day of grief and celebration on Wednesday (February 5) as loved ones of Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant gathered together at her jersey retirement ceremony. The 13-year-old lost her life alongside her NBA icon father Kobe Bryant and seven of their friends on Sunday, January 26. Students at Harbor Day Middle School gathered together inside of the gymnasium for the ceremony that included balloons, flowers, and memories of the beloved teenager.

Theo Wargo / Staff / Getty Images

Grieving mother Vanessa Bryant shared the event on her Instagram page. "My Gianna. God I miss you," she penned in the caption to one of the videos. "I’ve been so lucky to have woken up to see your gorgeous face and amazing smile for 13 years. Wish it would’ve been until my last breath. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. Infinity plus 1. #2 #Mambacita #GigiBryant ❤️."

In another post, Vanessa wrote, "My Gigi. I love you! I miss you. You’ve taught us all that no act of kindness is ever too small. Mommy is still and will ALWAYS be so proud of you mamacita. ❤️#2 🏀." We've added just a handful of the videos that Vanessa has shared, so watch through the touching, emotional tribute to Gianna Bryant below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

Comments 4
Page was generated in 0.088688850402832