It wouldn’t be wrong to say that you can’t talk about basketball without Kobe Bryant’s name popping up somewhere in that conversation. He is one of the greatest players in this sport and one of the best athletes in the world. Every detail of his life is of great public interest, as is his relationship with Vanessa Laine Bryant.
The gorgeous Latina was a former video vixen and model who shot to fame after she started dating the NBA superstar. Although most people do poorly with suddenly becoming an overnight celebrity in their teenage years, Vanessa handled the transition brilliantly, and she never let popularity get to her head.
If anything, Vanessa has been the backbone of her husband’s career, proudly standing by his side through ups and downs, and ironing out any issues on the home front. She is excellent proof that behind every successful man, there is a woman. Vanessa has proven to be a loving and loyal partner to her superstar husband, Kobe. She’s also had a thriving television career, appearing on shows like the hit series Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
Vanessa Laine Bryant – Biography
Kobe’s wife was born Vanessa Cornejo Ubrieta on May 5, 1982. She was born to a Mexican-Irish mother named Sofia Ubrieta, and her mother raised her alone with her sister Sophie after their father left his marriage and her family when Vanessa was three years old. Later, Vanessa changed her last name to Laine, the last name of the man her mother remarried.
She was raised in Orange County, California, and completed her basic education at St. Boniface Parish School, before moving on to Marina High School, where she graduated with honors. Vanessa Laine Bryant was a very hardworking teenager who worked as a model and video vixen in her spare time to earn money. It was during one of her concerts as a model in the background of a music video that she met Kobe Bryant, and their courtship began in earnest.
She was still in high school at the time, so news of their relationship rocked the media. Some news outlets went so far as to stalk his school for insight into the high schooler who stole the heart of one of the Los Angeles Lakers point guards. Due to the attention, Vanessa had to be homeschooled for the remainder of the semester.
Vanessa Laine Bryant gets tons of requests to appear on TV for interviews, shows, award shows, and all kinds of events. However, she has featured in a number of shows, including Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kobe Bryant’s Muse, 2003 Teen Choice Awards, and MTV Movie Awards.
Vanessa Laine Bryant met her future husband in 1999, and less than a year after their paths crossed, Kobe Bryant and Vanessa got engaged. Despite disapproval from multiple quarters, including Bryant’s parents who were disappointed he was settling down with a non-African American woman, the resilient lovebirds tied the knot in a small ceremony held at St. .Edward, Calif., April 18. 2001. Their union produced three beautiful daughters: Natalia Diamante born in 2003, Gianna Maria-Onore born in 2006 and Bianca Bella born in 2016. The couple also have a fourth child on the way.
Facts About Kobe Bryant’s Wife
1. Vanessa didn’t give up on Kobe when he was accused of sexual assault
In 2003, the career and personal life of Kobedéchire when he was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old girl. He denied the charges, saying the sex was reciprocal and the only wrong he did was cheating on his wife, whom he begged to forgive. Vanessa supported him during the scandal and after the case was dropped, he bought her a diamond ring worth millions of dollars as a peace offering.
2. She survived the pain of a miscarriage
Vanessa Laine Bryant was expecting her second child sometime in 2005, but lost the pregnancy due to high stress. Kobe said he blames himself for what she had to go through and that she lost the baby because of him and the worries that followed his scandal.
3. Vanessa Laine Bryant is a very hands-on mom.
Although she can afford to hire loads of nannies, Vanessa prefers raising her children alone. She believes in not getting outside help to help her take care of her own children. It’s hard not to admire his strength and courage.
4. She almost divorced Kobe in 2011
Vanessa and Kobe’s marriage was tested in 2011 after she filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. The couple had been through a tough time and she thought it best to end it before things got really ugly. They signed the divorce papers and everything, but love won. They decided to stick together and try to make things work.