Vanessa Bryant continues to keep her daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant close to her heart, even years after the tragic crash that claimed the lives of Gigi and Kobe Bryant.

The businesswoman marked her late daughter’s birthday on May 1 with a heartfelt tribute, reminding fans that time has done little to dim her love or grief.

Her emotional post quickly drew an outpouring of support, with fans flooding social media with prayers, tributes, and messages honoring Gigi’s memory.

Vanessa Bryant Says She Misses Her Daughter

May 1 was a day of painful remembrance for Vanessa, as it marked the birth of her daughter Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash with her husband, Kobe, in 2020.

Taking to Instagram, Vanessa made sure her daughter remains unforgettable by posting a sweet tribute to the child who would have turned 20.

“Happy birthday to my sweet baby angel, Gianna. Words can’t express how much I love and miss you mamacita. Mommy loves you so much! #HappyBirthday #20,” the philanthropist wrote alongside a pair of two hearts emoji.

Vanessa added to the post with an intimate throwback picture of herself and her late daughter. In the image, they share a gentle kiss, with Vanessa’s hands warmly holding her daughter’s face.

Supporters Rally Around Vanessa

Shortly after Vanessa shared the post on Instagram, support poured in from many of her over 15 million fans.

Most shared heart emojis alongside comments like “Happy Heavenly Birthday” for the late Gianna Bryant.

On Reddit, the reaction was even more touching, with many heaping praise on Vanessa for continuing with life after the loss of her daughter and husband.

“Losing a husband is devastating enough but your child too, unimaginable. I hope Vanessa continues to have a strong support system. Such an awful tragedy,” one user wrote.

“Losing a child is a pain beyond words, something only those who’ve gone through similar things can truly understand. R.I.P. sweet angel,” someone else commented.

“Vanessa’s bravery – and the bravery of all parents who survive the loss of their child – is truly admirable,” another person commented.

Vanessa Bryant Previously Opened Up About Grief

Nearly a year after losing her husband and daughter, Vanessa Bryant opened up about the heavy grief she was carrying in an emotional Instagram post.

At the time, the mompreneur described grief as a complicated mix of emotions, noting that some days brought moments of laughter while others felt almost impossible to get through.

Still, Vanessa used the vulnerable moment to encourage others who had suffered heartbreaking losses and were struggling to move forward.

“Find your reason to live,” she urged her followers, adding that her daughters helped her push through the hardest moments.

Vanessa continued, “Death is guaranteed but living the rest of the day isn’t. Find your reason.”

Vanessa Called Her Loss ‘Unimaginable’

Months after speaking about grief, Vanessa Bryant admitted that the pain of losing Kobe and Gianna was “unimaginable,” but said she knew she had no choice but to “get up and push forward.”

At the time, she also shared that Kobe and Gianna continued to motivate her, even after their passing.

“They inspire me to try harder and be better every day,” Vanessa said of the late father-daughter duo, per PEOPLE Magazine. “Their love is unconditional, and they motivate me in so many different ways.”

Vanessa also found strength in her other daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, saying they helped her smile “through the pain.”

Vanessa Bryant Turned Grief Into Philanthropy

Over the years, Vanessa has channeled her grief into philanthropy, impacting thousands of lives worldwide.

One major step towards this path was rebranding the Mamba Sports Foundation to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation to empower young athletes, especially girls, in underserved communities.

In honor of her late daughter, the foundation awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding student-athletes from Los Angeles and Orange County. This was done in partnership with the California Community Foundation and local Boys & Girls Club affiliates.

The announcement was made on the same day as Gianna’s birthday, while the number of scholarships reflected the age she would have turned.