'Brains, beauty and brawn': Loved ones send best wishes as Vanessa Bryant celebrates daughter Natalia's 21st birthday, honors Kobe on IG

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Vanessa Bryant, a devoted mother at 41, recently marked a significant event in the life of her eldest daughter.

Amid the festive holiday season with her family, she expressed her love for her firstborn, Natalia, on her 21st birthday and remembered the late Kobe Bryant on social media this Friday.

The celebration was made even more special as former WNBA player Lisa Leslie joined in, paying tribute to Natalia's milestone day.

Vanessa Bryant's wishes for Natalia's 21st birthday

"Happy birthday 21st birthday @nataliabryant!!! We love you so much!!!!," Vanessa penned on Instagram, accompanying her message with a video collage of photos set to the tune of Stevie Wonder's 'Happy Birthday'.

The philanthropist, who co-parented her daughter with her late husband and basketball icon Kobe Bryant, lauded the young woman for her numerous endearing qualities.

"You are what every parent hopes and prays for. You are such a beautiful, strong, smart, loving young woman with the kindest soul and I am so proud to be your mommy! I love you, mama! ❤️❤️"

Vanessa honors late husband Kobe Bryant 

Vanessa also posted a photo of Kobe, taken courtside, the day following Natalia's birth.

The LA Laker was seen still sporting the hospital bracelet he received at the time of his daughter’s birth.

Accompanying the photo was The Temptations' song 'My Girl', as she affectionately referred to the star athlete as the "Best Girl Daddy."

The basketball legend and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, fondly known as Gia, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in 2020, per Daily Mail.

Loved ones share best wishes for Natalia

Family friend Ciara posted a selfie with the birthday girl to extend her wishes.

The model, who had her first walk for Versace in 2023, was affectionately addressed by her nickname, Nani.

Natalia, a third-year film student at USC, spends her time off from modeling immersed in her studies.

She reportedly marked a significant milestone in her career by directing her first film in December.

The 38-year-old music sensation penned, ‘Happy Birthday Nani Boo @nataliabryant!’

She even wrote in the comment section, "Nani Boo!! Happy Birthday Queen ❤️"

Screenwriter Patty Rodriguez noted, "Happy 21st birthday @nataliabryant. It is such joy seeing how you are becoming such a beautiful and talented young lady! 🌹🌹"

Ex-WNBA player Lisa Leslie added, "Happy Birthday! You continue to blossom beautifully with brains, beauty and brawn❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Continued blessings and many more🥰🎊🎊"

Reality TV star and SKIMS founder Kim Kardashian has shown her appreciation for the heartfelt post by liking it.

Model Naomi Campbell shared, "Happy 21st birthday @nataliabryant ❤️🎂❤️🎂❤️🎂"

Natalia responded to the best wishes in the comment section by writing, "I love you!!!❤️❤️❤️"

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