Vanessa Bryant Celebrates Her 43rd Birthday with a Heartfelt Message from Catherine Gasol

By | June 10, 2025

 

 

Los Angeles, May 5, 2025 — Surrounded by love from family, friends and admirers across the globe, Vanessa Bryant marked her 43rd birthday yesterday in a quiet, heartfelt way. Among the many warm wishes she received, one stood out for its tenderness: a touching message from Catherine McDonnell Gasol, the wife of former NBA star Pau Gasol, who has long been considered like a brother to the late Kobe Bryant.

 

Catherine posted a never-before-seen photo on Instagram showing her hugging Vanessa on a California beach, with the golden sunset in the background. Alongside the picture, she wrote:

 

“Happy birthday to an incredible woman—so strong, so full of grace. Your light continues to shine, and your love for your daughters and for Kobe is a constant inspiration. Today we celebrate not just your life, but the legacy of love and resilience you carry forward every day. We love you dearly.”

 

The message clearly touched Vanessa, who responded with heart emojis and a warm thank-you shared in her stories. Thousands of fans also reacted, leaving supportive and emotional comments beneath Catherine’s post.

 

The bond between the Bryant and Gasol families has only grown stronger over the years. After the tragic loss of Kobe and Gianna in 2020, Pau and Catherine have remained close to Vanessa and her daughters, becoming something like extended family. Shared holidays, family dinners and everyday moments have shown the world that their connection goes far beyond basketball.

 

Vanessa kept her celebration modest, sharing a few pictures of herself with her daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri, surrounded by lilac flowers—one of Gianna’s favourites. She captioned the photos: “Thank you for all the love today. I feel blessed to be surrounded by people who help me keep moving forward. Kobe and Gigi, I feel you with me always.”

 

Five years after the tragedy that shook the sports world, Vanessa’s birthday is a symbol of strength, remembrance and enduring love. Catherine Gasol’s kind gesture reminds us that the Bryant family remains embraced by a loyal circle that continues to honour their legacy—one of unity, hope, and unwavering support.