Vanessa Bryant.Photo: John Salangsang/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
Vanessa Bryantis helpingTIMEhonor her late husbandKobe Bryant.
Speaking in a pre-recorded message during theTIMEPerson of the Year presentation’s In Memoriam, Vanessa, 38, said, “Words cannot do justice to the grief we felt this year. At every level of human connection from across the world to across the table, we experienced profound loss.”
After Vanessa’s remarks, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stottperformeda moving rendition of “Over the Rainbow” for the presentation’s In Memoriam section, which led with Kobe and Gianna.
Kobedied in Januaryat 41 alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The wreck also killed seven others who were aboard the aircraft: Payton Chester, 13, Sarah Chester, 46, Alyssa Altobelli, 14, Keri Altobelli, 46, John Altobelli, 56, Christina Mauser, 38, and pilot Ara Zobayan, 50.
Since the tragedy, Vanessa has shared several tributes to Kobe — whom she said last month shefell in love with at first sightwhen they met 21 years ago.
“Love at first sight 11/27/99 #21,” she wrote onInstagram, along with a photo of the couple sharing a loving embrace at Disneyland.
She also markedwhat would have been his 42nd birthday in August.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant with their daughters.Vanessa Bryant Instagram
“Thank you for growing up with me and teaching me how to be strong,” Vanessa said. “How to try to see the best in people but cutout the bs. Your thoughtful gestures and the amazing way you made us all feel is extremely missed. I picture your smile and wide big welcoming hugs daily.”
“There’s so much I wish I could tell you and show you and Gigi,” Vanessa added, mentioning Gianna, who had been following in her dad’s footsteps as a budding basketball star. “So many things you would both be happy to see and be a part of.”
source: people.com
