Vanessa Bryant has shared her heartfelt condolences following the passing of her father-in-law, Joe Bryant. In a poignant Instagram Stories post on Tuesday, July 16, Vanessa, 42, remembered Joe, who passed away at 69 after reportedly suffering a severe stroke.
“Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing,” Vanessa wrote. “We had hoped for a different outcome. Though our time together was brief, he was always kind and pleasant to be around. Kobe cherished him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Joe Bryant, known for his basketball career with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers, and Houston Rockets, also played internationally in Italy and France before returning to the U.S. with his family, including son Kobe, during Kobe’s teenage years.
The La Salle University basketball community, where Joe played and later coached, mourned his loss deeply. The university’s men’s basketball team honored Joe on social media, describing him as a beloved member of their community.
Joe Bryant’s coaching career included guiding the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, showcasing his influence beyond the NBA court. His impact spanned generations in basketball and beyond, remembered fondly for his sportsmanship and coaching acumen.
Vanessa and Kobe’s relationship began in 1999 and led to marriage in 2001. They raised four daughters together, including Natalia, Bianka Belle, and Capri Kobe, alongside their late daughter Gianna, tragically lost in a helicopter crash alongside Kobe in January 2020.
Vanessa’s tribute captures the profound loss felt within their family and the wider basketball world, underscoring Joe’s enduring legacy and the bond Kobe shared with his father.