Kobe Bryant’s widow thanks millions for prayers following deaths of NBA legend and daughter: ‘We definitely need them’

Faith Counts

In a moving post on Instagram on Wednesday, Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, thanked the millions of people who have “shown support and love during this horrific time.”

“Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated,” she posted.

Further down the post, she reiterated her gratitude: “Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me.”

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My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately. There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever. Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality. To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org. To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org. Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls #Family ❤️

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant ???? (@vanessabryant) on Jan 29, 2020 at 4:59pm PST

Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “Gigi,” were tragically killed Sunday when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed in Calabasas, California, on Sunday. There were nine people on board. No one survived the crash.

The 41-year-old basketball star won several NBA titles with the Lakers and Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

In the days following the tragic deaths, several faith leaders and artists have expressed shock and sorrow, while offering prayers for the family.

Here’s a sampling of their reactions:

So very sad to hear the news of #KobeBryant’s tragic death this morning. I am praying for him and his family. May he rest in peace and may our Blessed Mother Mary bring comfort to his loved ones. #KobeBryantRIP pic.twitter.com/QYMRL7RvCL

— Abp. José H. Gomez (@ArchbishopGomez) January 26, 2020

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Lord We pray for the Bryant family. We pray for all those affected. We pray for the other families of those in the helicopter. We ask that your Spirit would be a comforter. In Jesus name.

A post shared by lecrae (@lecrae) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:30pm PST

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devastating… prayers to the Bryant family and all those effected by today’s tragedy. LA will never be the same… i heard Bill Plaschke talk this week about Kobe being the most important Laker ever. An iconic leader that meant so much to this city and the world… unreal ????????????????????????

A post shared by Chad Veach (@chadveach) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:27pm PST

Praying for the families and everyone grieving ???????????? #RIPKobeByrant pic.twitter.com/OWlD7ggrbr

— DeVon Franklin (@DeVonFranklin) January 26, 2020

Such a tragedy. Praying for God’s presence and comfort for Kobe’s family. ????????❤️ (photo via https://t.co/KiolH13ovL) pic.twitter.com/r8Rlie19ts

— Craig Groeschel (@craiggroeschel) January 26, 2020

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Jesus……

A post shared by Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:08pm PST

Life is very fragile and our days are not our own.

May Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and all those who pass away today Rest In Peace.

May God show them His deep and tender mercy and console the families who grieve.

— Sr. Miriam James (@onegroovynun) January 26, 2020

Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players of all-time (1978-2020).my heart goes out to his wife and children , praying for them and the other families who have lost loved ones in this terrible tragic accident ???? #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/RVp0YdajHd

— Roma Downey (@RealRomaDowney) January 26, 2020

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You just never know. Unimaginable. Sending love and prayers to the families suffering from this tragic loss.

A post shared by Tauren Wells (@taurenwells) on Jan 26, 2020 at 3:31pm PST

Special prayers at Mass today the Bryant family and all the families affected by the crash.

— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) January 27, 2020

What a blessing to know that Kobe woke up early on Sunday morning so that he could receive Holy Communion before the helicopter departed at 9:06AM. Let’s pray often for his family today, as they begin their new life without a father and husband. pic.twitter.com/HU90JnlhnL

— Jason Evert (@jasonevert) January 27, 2020