Vanessa Bryant Speaks Out Following the Passing of Kobe’s Dad, Joe Bryant: “We Hoped Things Would’ve Been Different”

Vanessa Bryant is speaking out following the death of her father-in-law, Joe Bryant, who passed away at the age of 69 after reportedly suffering a massive stroke.

“Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing,” Vanessa shared on Instagram Stories. “We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to the family.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer was the first to report the news, with La Salle University head coach Fran Dunphy confirming Joe’s stroke.

Joe Bryant leaves behind a legacy that includes his late son Kobe and two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, with his wife Pam Bryant. Kobe, a legendary NBA star, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in January 2020 alongside his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others.

Joe Bryant’s basketball journey began at La Salle University, where he rose to fame. He was a first-round pick in the 1975 NBA Draft and played eight seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers, and the Houston Rockets. After his NBA career, Joe played internationally in Italy and France before moving his family back to the U.S. when Kobe was 13.

In 1992, Joe transitioned to coaching, serving as head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks for parts of three seasons, as reported by ESPN.