Vanessa Bryant Celebrates First Mother's Day Without Husband Kobe Bryant, Daughter Gianna

KEY POINTS

Vanessa Bryant and her three children celebrated Mother's Day
The widow also turned 35 without her husband and Gianna
The father-daughter duo died in January because of a helicopter crash

Vanessa Bryant spent Mother’s Day without her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant by her side for the first time this year. However, she still received love and support from her children, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.

The trio gave their mom a present that she will never forget -- a book titled “Why I Love My Mom,” E! News reported.

“I love you so much @nataliabryant, Gianna, Bianka and Capri!” the widow said in an Instagram story with the picture of the present.

In a separate Instagram post, the 17-year-old paid tribute to her mom by posting a collage of them. Apart from her daughters, Vanessa also received gifts from her friends, Ciara, Zoe, and couple Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.

Mother’s Day wasn’t the only occasion Vanessa had to celebrate this year without her late husband, NBA superstar and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe, who died in a helicopter crash with their 13-year-old daughter Gianna, also called Gigi.

The proud mother of four turned 35 on May 5 and even though one of her children and her better half weren’t physically beside her, her kids made sure she had a special day by giving her beautiful flower arrangements and piñatas, People reported.

Vanessa, who is also dubbed as Queen Mamba, received a multitude of brightly colored balloons, some of which were diamond-shaped. She also snapped a picture of Natalia’s heartfelt message for her, which she shared on Instagram Story.

"I am so grateful to have you as my mom! I will always be the Ethel to your Lucy!" the young lady wrote.

Her birthday was just days before Gianna’s, who would have turned 14 had she not met her untimely demise on Jan. 26.

In April, Vanessa also had a bittersweet celebration of her and Kobe’s 19th wedding anniversary, according to People. She posted a throwback image on the photo-sharing app, showing the basketball legend giving a peck on her cheek.

The pair first met in 1999 on the set of a music video. Vanessa was just 17 at the time while Kobe was 20.

The athlete popped the question to his girlfriend when Vanessa turned 18. They exchanged “I do’s” in 2001.