Vanessa Marie Bryant is a philanthropist, former model, and business executive. She became known to the public from her marriage to one of the National Basketball Association’s most sensational and gifted players, Kobe Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant has a very close friendship with the American singer Ciara. They are often seen in each other’s social media posts having fun and being close with each other’s families. In the wake of the devastating tragedy of Kobe’s and Giana’s death, Ciara actively expressed on social media her love and support for her dear friend.
Vanessa Bryant | Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Before going into detail about their friendship, let us get to know them first.
Who is Vanessa Bryant?
Vanessa Bryant has been in the public eye since she was 18 years old when she got engaged to the Lakers star, Kobe Bryant, six months after they met. The couple tied the knot in 2001 and had four daughters: Natalia, Giana, Bianka, and Capri.
In a helicopter tragedy in January 2020, her husband Kobe and their daughter Giana died along with seven other passengers.
Vanessa co-founded with her late husband the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation, an organization dedicated to underserved youth and families in need, both domestically and globally. She also co-founded the Mamba Sports Foundation, later renamed Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation in honor of her daughter Giana.
In addition, she serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Granity Studios, a multimedia content company focused on telling stories around sports.
Who is Ciara?
Ciara is a singer with hits such as “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step” with Missy Elliott, “Oh” with Ludacris, and “And I.” She received two nominations in the 2006 Grammy Awards–one for Best New Artist and the other for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“1, 2 Step”).
Since 2004, she has garnered numerous nominations and awards from music’s major award-giving bodies like the Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, and ASCAP Music Awards.
Ciara Princess Harris was born on October 25, 1985 in Fort Hood, Texas, a United States Army post. She is the only child of Jackie and Carlton Clay Harris. She grew up on different army bases and finally settled in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with two of her friends, Ciara formed a girl group called Hearsay. The group did not last long, but this was the start of her long musical career.
In 2016, CiCi married National Football League quarterback Russell Wilson. They were married in July 2016 in Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England, witnessed by close friends and family. They have two children, Win Harrison and Sienna Princess.
She was previously engaged to the American rapper, Future but the couple called it quits in 2014. They had a child, Future Zahir Wilburn.
Best friends? More like family.
These besties are all over social media with their friendship-goals-level trips and activities, whether with a group or just the two of them.
Ciara posted a picture with Vanessa and her daughters, Bianka and Capri, wearing matching pink, fluffy pajamas for a fun-filled slumber party.
In another post, the two are snapped breastfeeding next to each other, showing us that they are enjoying and celebrating motherhood together. Vanessa’s daughter Capri is close in age to Win, Ciara’s son.
The mamas also went on a special Mother’s Day trip to Disneyland with their kids. In Vanessa’s darkest time, Ciara expressed her love and support for her grieving friend through her post, “Rest In Paradise Angels”–a photo of Kobe celebrating his NBA championship with a young Gigi.
Shortly after the first anniversary of Kobe’s and Gigi’s death, they attended the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Venice, Italy. It was Ciara’s mission to show Vanessa a good time on a “lit” boat ride.
There is always room for more.
Another member of this tight-knit group is La La Anthony. La La married NBA player Carmelo Anthony in 2010. They have a child together, Kiyan, born on March 7, 2007. In 2021, La La filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
She is a television personality, most known as a host of TRL (Total Request Live) on MTV. She has appeared in films and produced television programs. She has her own cosmetic line and clothing line.
Her closeness with Vanessa and her children is more than just friendship, they are her family. She shared in an interview with People that it is important for her to have their children growing up together, seeing one another as cousins.
Auntie La La also shared a heartfelt post on Instagram where she praised Vanessa’s strength, along with a birthday greeting to the basketball legend.
With the tragic deaths of Kobe and Giana, Vanessa would need a strong support system. Good thing she has “sisters” and their families that are always there for her and her daughters.