Vanessa Bryant has taken to social media to honour her late husband, Kobe Bryant, on what would have been his 43rd birthday.
The post, shared on Instagram on Monday, shows the couple kissing and posing with the Larry O'Brien trophy following one of his Los Angeles Lakers team's five championship wins.
"Happy birthday, Papi. Te amo por siempre. Amor Eterno. 43," Vanessa wrote in the caption, Spanish for "I love you forever, eternal love."
The basketball star and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. The mother of four has previously opened up about her loss, describing the pain as "unimaginable".
"Lying in bed crying isn't going to change the fact that my family will never be the same again," the 39-year-old told People earlier this year. "But getting out of bed and pushing forward is going to make the day better for my girls and for me. So that's what I do."
Mindy Kaling also honoured the late sports star on his birthday by sharing a picture of her three-year-old daughter Katherine wearing his jersey to ballet practice.
"Happy birthday Kobe. I’m reminded of your impact daily. For instance, here is a picture of my daughter at ballet when she refused to take off your jersey and put on her leotard and tutu," she wrote on Instagram.
Dozens of sports stars came out in support of the late basketball star for his birthday, with fellow Los Angeles Lakers star Carmelo Anthony sharing a photo of the two hugging on the court. Retired Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade shared a video of Kobe on the court, writing, "Mamba Forever. Happy Birthday Big Bro," referencing the late player's nickname.
