Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa Bryant reveals their former Palisades home burned down in LA fires

Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, shared a heartfelt moment while volunteering for Baby2Baby, where she helped pack $2M worth of emergency supplies for families impacted by the LA wildfires.

The 42-year-old philanthropist reminisced about her early days with the late NBA star, revealing that they lived in Pacific Palisades after getting married in 2001, in a home near where the initial wildfire started.

“We have so many beautiful memories from living in LA,” Vanessa shared with her 15.8M Instagram and Facebook followers on Tuesday. “There are no words to ease the loss and devastation. My heart and prayers go out to everyone affected by the fires in LA. Through @mambamambacitasports, we’re working to support the community. We love you, LA! And we love you @baby2baby!”

Vanessa personalized each package with a handwritten note, adding a personal touch to the emergency supplies she prepared.

The founder of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation received praise and support from Baby2Baby co-CEO Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Kris Jenner, Loni Love, and jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer for her efforts.

A dedicated supporter of the non-profit, Vanessa is considered an “Angel” by Baby2Baby. She also attended the organization’s annual gala in LA on November 9, where she stunned on the red carpet.

January 26 will mark five years since the tragic loss of Kobe and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas.

On August 2, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a memorial statue honoring Kobe and Gianna outside the Crypto.com Arena. Created by artist Karon Davis and the Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-Amrany, the statue includes an inscription that reads: “Gianna is a beast, and she’s better than I was at her age. I’m a girl dad. Girls are amazing.”

The Hall of Fame basketball star is survived by three daughters: Natalia Diamante, who will turn 22 this Sunday, Bianka Bella, 8, and Capri Kobe, 5. The family enjoyed a ski trip together over New Year’s Eve, cherishing their time together.

In 2023, Vanessa and her daughters were awarded a $28.8M settlement from Los Angeles County after winning their invasion of privacy lawsuit in 2022. The trial revealed that eight LA County Sheriff’s deputies had taken photos of the crash site and shared them inappropriately.

Vanessa and Kobe were high school sweethearts who shared a 19-year marriage. Despite filing for divorce in 2011, Vanessa later withdrew the papers in 2013, and the couple remained together until Kobe’s untimely death.

Firefighters have now entered the eighth day of battling four wildfires that have scorched a total of 38,690 acres. The Palisades fire is currently 18% contained, while the Eaton (Altadena) fire has reached 45% containment.

Authorities have reported 25 fatalities, the destruction of 12,000 structures, and over 6 million residents still under critical fire threat. Economic damages and losses from the wildfires are estimated to range between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Among the celebrities who have lost their homes to the flames are Sally Field, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, Anna Faris, Cary Elwes, Diane Warren, Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Eugene Levy, Steve Guttenberg, Jennifer Grey, Ricki Lake, Matt Damon, Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, and Adam Brody.