Vanessa Bryant Sends Condolences After Kobe's Father Joe Dies: 'We Hoped Things Would've Been Different'

"Kobe loved him very much," Vanessa wrote of her father-in-law in a post on social media

Vanessa Bryant is mourning the loss of her father-in-law, Joe Bryant.

On Tuesday, July 16, Vanessa, 42, shared a tribute to Joe, who died at the age of 69 after reportedly suffering a massive stroke.

"Sending our condolences upon hearing the news of my father in law’s passing," Vanessa wrote in a post on Instagram Stories.

She continued, "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 was first to report the news after La Salle University head coach Fran Dunphy confirmed to the outlet that Joe suffered a stroke.

Related: Vanessa Bryant Honors Late Daughter Gianna with Special Nikes on What Would Have Been Her 18th Birthday

In addition to his late son Kobe, Joe shared two daughters, Sharia and Shaya, with his wife Pam Bryant.

Kobe was 41 when he tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, in January 2020 alongside his daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others. Gianna was just 13.

Vanessa and Kobe began dating after meeting on the set of a music video in 1999. They were engaged shortly after Vanessa turned 18 and married on April 18, 2001.

Vanessa also shares Natalia, 21, Bianka Belle, 7, and Capri Kobe, 4½, with the late NBA star.

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After rising to basketball fame at La Salle University, Joe was a first-round pick in the 1975 NBA Draft and played eight seasons between the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers (who have since relocated to Los Angeles) and the Houston Rockets.

Following Joe's death, La Salle's men's basketball team released a statement honoring the school's former star in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"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 said.

He later played for international leagues in Italy and France before moving his family back to the United States when Kobe was 13 years old.

In 1992, Joe took his talents to the sidelines and began coaching. For parts of three seasons, he served as head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks, according to ESPN.

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