Kobe Bryant is widely celebrated as one of the greatest basketball players in history, but off the court, he earned another cherished title: “girl dad.”

With his wife, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe raised four daughters-Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri-instilling in them values of hard work, love, and resilience.

Together, the Bryant family shared countless memorable moments, a bond that continues to inspire even after tragedy struck.

Kobe and Vanessa welcomed their first child, Natalia Diamante Bryant, on January 19, 2003. From her earliest days, Natalia was a fixture at her father’s games, often seen courtside with her mother or sitting on Kobe’s lap during interviews.

Over the years, the family grew, with Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, lovingly known as “Gigi,” born in 2006, followed by Bianka Bella Bryant in 2016, and Capri Kobe Bryant in 2019.

Kobe took immense pride in being a father to daughters. He once joked with friends who teased him for not having a son, saying, “It takes a king to make a princess.”

His devotion to his daughters was evident in everything he did, from cheering them on at school events to coaching Gigi’s basketball team at his Mamba Sports Academy.

Tragically, Kobe and Gianna‘s lives were cut short on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash. Vanessa has since credited her daughters-Natalia, Bianka, and Capri-with being her “light in the darkness.”

Reflecting on their support, she told PEOPLE in 2021, “My girls help me smile through the pain. They give me strength.”

Carrying Forward Kobe’s Legacy

Each of the Bryant daughters carries forward Kobe‘s values in unique ways. Natalia, now 22, has pursued a modeling career while studying film at USC.

She made her runway debut at Milan Fashion Week in 2023 and even interned on Beyonc’s Renaissance tour. Natalia fondly remembers her father as the “MVP of girl dads,” saying, “Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life.”

Gianna, who shared her father’s passion for basketball, dreamed of joining the WNBA. Kobe described her as “extremely competitive, very fiery,” and a reflection of himself. The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, launched by Vanessa, honors their shared legacy and supports young athletes.

Bianka and Capri, still young, bring light and joy to the family. Bianka, nicknamed “BB,” is known for her lively personality and had a touching moment with Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour. Capri, the youngest, carries Kobe‘s name and has been described by Vanessa as “daddy and Gigi’s twin.”

Through unimaginable loss, Vanessa has worked to keep Kobe and Gigi‘s legacies alive. From launching charitable initiatives to celebrating family milestones, she has ensured that their love for each other and their values remain at the forefront.

“My girls help me smile through the pain,” Vanessa shared. The Bryants’ story is one of resilience, showing how love and legacy can endure even in the face of tragedy.