Following the unfortunate death of her father-in-law Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, Vanessa Bryant delivered a message of mourning.
On Tuesday (July 16), the 42-year-old posted an Instagram story with a statement in white letters over a solid black background.
“Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father in law’s passing,” according to the statement. “We wished things had been different. Despite the short time we spent together, he was always lovely and pleasant to be around. Kobe cared deeply for him. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
READ MORE: Vanessa Bryant: Happy 18th Birthday, GiGi… ‘I Miss You’
The connection between Kobe and Vanessa Bryant and his parents was frequently strained. According to Sports Illustrated, Joe and his wife Pam did not approve of the marriage and did not attend it. Furthermore, in 2016, the late NBA icon said that he had not communicated to his parents in three years after they auctioned off various antiques and memorabilia.
Joe and Pam Bryant received backlash in March for auctioning off their son’s first NBA Championship ring. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in 2000, earning Kobe Bryant his first of five NBA championships.
READ MORE: “Proud Mom, Dad, And Sisters,” Vanessa Bryant Said Of Her Daughter Natalia’s Directorial Debut
Joe “Jellybean” Bryant died on Monday at the age of 69 from a severe stroke. After a stellar career at La Salle University, he was selected in the first round of the 1975 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He spent four seasons with the Warriors before joining the San Diego Clippers and then the Houston Rockets. Bryant also competed internationally in Italy and France, and he coached teams in Thailand and Japan.
He also served as an assistant and head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA from 2005 to 2007 and again in 2011. View Vanessa Bryant’s Instagram post below.
Radiant TV, offering to elevate your entertainment game! Movies, TV series, exclusive interviews, music, and more—download now on various devices, including iPhones, Androids, smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and more.
