On Thursday 3 August 2023, Vanessa Bryant and her children attended one of Taylor Swift’s shows during the artists’ US leg of her global Eras tour. During the show, fans watched on emotionally as Swift shared a special moment with Bianka Bryant, the youngest daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020.
In the middle of her performance, Swift paused in order to lean down and give her iconic ‘22’ hat to the young girl. Watch the video below to witness the wholesome moment:
The meaningfulness of the moment was not lost on the Bryant family. Bianka appeared starstruck as the performer leaned down to hug her. The singer’s sweet act was captured by millions of fans, as well as by Vanessa herself.
The Bryant family’s connection to Swift and her music runs deep. Prior to the concert, Vanessa shared a photo on Instagram showcasing her jean jacket adorned with bedazzled Swift letters alongside an image of the singer and Kobe together from her previous 1989 tour at the Staples Centre.
Kobe himself had previously shared a photo from a moment he and Swift shared in 2015 when her banner was honoured at the Staples Centre. In the post, he wrote: “Friends hang from time to time but banners hang forever @taylorswift.
Tragically, Kobe and his daughter Gianna passed away in a helicopter crash five years after that encounter. At the time, Swift offered a heartfelt tribute to the basketball player, expressing her deep sorrow and acknowledging his profound impact on her life.
The singer wrote: “I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.”
Since then, the artist has maintained a close connection with the Bryant family, culminating in this touching moment during her Eras tour performance.