Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa Bryant shares tribute on what would have been his 45th birthday while announcing Nike Kobe 8 Halo sneakers
Kobe Bryant would have turned 45 on Wednesday.
His widow Vanessa Bryant shared on social media a tribute to the late basketball star who died in a helicopter crash with his teenage daughter Gianna almost four years ago.
The 41-year-old beauty, born Vanessa Urbieta Cornejo, shared several older photos of her with the iconic athlete.
‘Happy Birthday darling. I will always love you. ❤️ #82378,” she wrote in her caption.
Kris Jenner added several red heart emojis. Khloe Kardashian used seven black heart emojis and Zoe Saldana said, “Your love is blessed.”
45! Kobe Bryant would have turned 45 on Wednesday. His widow Vanessa Bryant shared on social media a tribute to the late basketball star who died in a helicopter crash with his teenage daughter Gianna almost four years ago.
Her love: The 41-year-old beauty, born Vanessa Urbieta Cornejo, shared several older photos of her with the iconic athlete. ‘Happy Birthday darling. I will always love you. ❤️ #82378,” she wrote in her caption
Viola Davis posted a photo with Kobe.
“Happy Heavenly Birthday, Kobe! You will never be forgotten. Your legacy has changed lives. You were loved,” she wrote.
Also on Wednesday, Vanessa announced the release of the new Nike Kobe 8 Halo basketball shoes.
“The Kobe VIII protros turned out beautiful!!!!” she shared.
“I love working with the Nike shoe team on Kobe’s line.
“Nike wanted this debut Halo Collection to be limited and collectible, but the good news is that Nike is working on more units for future Kobe releases!
“The “Kobe Halo” collection debuts tomorrow on Kobe’s birthday. Collect all future Halo releases to celebrate this special day every year. #KobesBirthday #82378 #MambaForever.’
It is the first Nike sneaker in the line of the NBA star since his passing in January 2020.
The Kobe 8 was conceptualized with help from Vanessa.
Early days: Kris Jenner added several red heart emojis. Khloe Kardashian used seven black heart emojis and Zoe Saldana said ‘Your love is blessed’
Sad loss: On January 26, 2020, Bryant’s husband and their daughter Gianna were killed in the helicopter crash in Calabasas
Fallout: She sued Los Angeles County for invasion of privacy and negligence by taking photos of the crash victims and sharing them inappropriately
White look: Also on Wednesday, Vanessa announced the release of the new Nike Kobe 8 Halo basketball shoes. “The Kobe VIII protros turned out beautiful!!!!” she shared. “I love working with the Nike shoe team on Kobe’s line. “Nike wanted this debut Halo Collection to be limited and collectible, but the good news is that Nike is working on more units for future Kobe releases!”
It is white with black accents on the inside of the sole, according to a press release.
There’s an embroidered Swoosh on the side, an embroidered Mamba logo on the tongue and Bryant’s signature print on the side of the heel.
Designers have replaced the Lunarlon midsole with Nike React foam, which provides greater comfort and responsiveness and creates an overall more durable design.
Also updated is the herringbone pattern.
The new Nike Kobe 8 Protro Halo will be released August 23 at SNKRS and select global retailers.
On January 26, 2020, Bryant’s husband and their daughter Gianna were killed in the helicopter crash in Calabasas.
Viola Davis posted: Happy Heavenly Birthday, Kobe! You will never be forgotten. Your legacy has changed lives. You were loved’
She sued Los Angeles County for invasion of privacy and negligence by taking photos of the victims of the crash and sharing them inappropriately.
In August 2022, she was awarded $16 million in damages related to the photos in the trial.
In February 2023, the case was settled out of court with a total settlement of $28.85 million awarded to Bryant and her daughters, including the approximately $15 million awarded to her in August and additional money to settle potential claims from her daughters.
Vanessa has indicated that the proceeds from the multi-million dollar payout she received from her Los Angeles County lawsuit will be donated to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.