Vanessa Bryant is mourning the loss of her father-in-law, Joe Bryant, who passed away at the age of 69 after reportedly suffering a massive stroke.
On Tuesday, July 16, Vanessa shared a heartfelt tribute to Joe on her Instagram Stories. “Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father-in-law’s passing,” she wrote. “We hoped things would’ve been different. Although the times we spent together were few, he was always sweet and nice to be around. Kobe loved him very much. Our prayers go out to the family.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported the news, with La Salle University head coach Fran Dunphy confirming Joe’s stroke.
Joe Bryant, affectionately known as “Jellybean,” leaves behind his wife, Pam Bryant, and their two daughters, Sharia and Shaya. Joe’s son, Kobe Bryant, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in January 2020, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. Kobe was 41 at the time of his death.
Vanessa and Kobe’s relationship began when they met on the set of a music video in 1999. They got engaged shortly after Vanessa turned 18 and married on April 18, 2001. Together, they had four children: Natalia, 21, Bianka Bella, 7, and Capri Kobe, 4½, in addition to Gianna.
Joe Bryant rose to basketball fame at La Salle University before being selected in the first round of the 1975 NBA Draft. He played eight seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Clippers (now the Los Angeles Clippers), and the Houston Rockets. After his NBA career, Joe played in international leagues in Italy and France before returning to the United States when Kobe was 13.
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Following Joe’s death, La Salle University’s men’s basketball team released a statement honoring their former star. “We are saddened to announce the passing of La Salle basketball great Joe Bryant. Joe played for the Explorers from 1973-75 and was a member of our coaching staff from 1993-96. He was a beloved member of the Explorer family and will be dearly missed,” the team posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In 1992, Joe transitioned to coaching, eventually serving as the head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks for parts of three seasons, according to ESPN.
As the Bryant family navigates this new wave of grief, they find solace in the legacy Joe left behind—both on and off the basketball court. His contributions to the sport and his dedication to his family will be remembered fondly by those who knew him and the fans who admired him.
