Bianka Bryant (left) and late dad Kobe Bryant (right).Photo:Vanessa Bryant/Instagram; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Vanessa Bryant/Instagram; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Vanessa Bryant’sdaughter is celebrating her birthday with a sweet nod to her late father.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, Vanessa, 42, shared a photoon her Instagramas she celebrated her daughter Bianka’s 8th birthday. In the photo, Bianka wears a white dress and a matching white bow, smiling for the camera.
In her caption, the mom of four took a minute to honor her daughter, adding that she’s been reminding Bianka that this year will carry extra significance as it has a tie to her late dadKobe Bryant’s jersey number.
“BB-8! BB is 8 today! Happy birthday to our Sunshine. We love you so much, Bianka! You bring so much love and laughter into our lives,” Vanessa wrote.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Vanessa Bryant and Bianka Bella Bryant.Vanessa Bryant Instagram
Vanessa Bryant Instagram
“You are so loved mama! 😘❤️🎉🎂🎉 You say it’s your BB8 birthday, and I’ll keep reminding you it’s your daddy (#8) year. ❤️.”
Kobe, whodied in a helicopter crashin 2020 at age 41, along with 13-year-old daughterGianna, wore the number 8 while on the Los Angeles Lakers before switching to the number 24.
Vanessa shares Gianna, Bianka, Natalia, 21, and Capri, 5, with Kobe.
Vanessa Bryant with three of her daughters.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Vanessa — along with her daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri — all wore matching Dodgers jerseys that had No. 24 on the back in honor of Kobe.
Later the same day, Vanessa shared a series ofphoto and video highlightsfrom the game on Instagram, writing: “Thank you@dodgersfor supporting our@mambamambacitasportsfoundation. L.A. Love 🙏🏽💜💛 💙🤍.”
She also shareda photoof Bianka posing next to Betts, 31, with a big smile on her face.
source: people.com
