Vanessa Bryant, widow of basketball icon Kobe Bryant, has vowed to step up her social media presence by appearing in more photos this year.
In an Instagram post shared early Sunday, Bryant revealed that her girlfriends have been urging her to feature more prominently in pictures. “My girlfriends are always encouraging me to be in more pics- making an effort to do that this year. 2026,” she wrote in the caption.
The announcement comes as Bryant continues to navigate life in the public eye following the tragic 2020 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of her husband and their 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Since then, she has occasionally shared glimpses into her family life with daughters Natalia, 22; Bianka, 9; and Capri, 6, often focusing on milestones, holidays and tributes to Kobe.
Bryant has also amplified her public presence through philanthropy, renaming the family foundation to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation and launching initiatives like a clothing line in 2021, with proceeds aiding young athletes. She donated proceeds from a successful 2022 lawsuit against Los Angeles County over crash site photos to the foundation, and in 2025, she spoke out against mass deportations, highlighting her Mexican American identity. Despite sources noting her reluctance to chase the spotlight, these efforts have positioned her as a visible advocate and leader.
Bryant’s social media accounts, followed by millions, typically highlight philanthropy through the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, fashion and personal reflections. Her decision to embrace more photo-sharing could offer fans a closer look at her day-to-day experiences.
