CELEBRITY
Vanessa Bryant Reacts to Taylor Swift Wearing a Necklace Honoring Kobe Bryant
The NBA star’s widow responded to Swift donning a quote from Kobe.
When Taylor Swift steps out, even just for a casual outing, her fashion choices are intentional and carefully crafted. The pop superstar recently wore a necklace honoring the late Kobe Bryant quote—and his widow, Vanessa Bryant, publicly reacted to the touching gesture.
On Jan. 9, Swift was photographed in New York City wearing a “chill” look that was a departure from her typical dressy vibe. The “Cruel Summer” songstress donned a cream and olive zebra-print sherpa over a green T-shirt and paired it with black leggings and tennis shoes.
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Swift also rocked the aforementioned necklace featuring a quote from Kobe that read, “Bet on yourself.” The piece of jewelry is reportedly from a limited edition collaboration between Vanessa and the brand Zoë Chicco.
On Friday, Jan. 12, Vanessa took to her Instagram Story, per Us Weekly, with a photo of Swift’s necklace. “Love you,” she wrote alongside hearts and “Swifties” stickers.
This isn’t the first time the Bryant family and Swift have shared a heartwarming moment since Kobe’s and his daughter Giana’s tragic deaths from a helicopter crash in 2020. In August 2023, the songstress gifted Kobe and Vanessa’s daughter, Bianka, her “22” hat at an Eras Tour concert in Los Angeles.
After the adorable exchange, Vanessa took to Instagram to share a photo of the singer with her daughter. “So special. 💕💕Bianka & @taylorswift,” she captioned her post, which also included a jacket with a photo of Swift and Kobe within a bedazzled frame.
In 2015, Kobe surprised Swift at an L.A. concert—the 16th time she performed at a sold-out concert at Staples Center—with the Lakers legend announcing she was the first artist to do so. A banner in Swift’s honor was hung at the arena to honor her achievement.
Kobe later praised Swift during a 2019 interview on The Jordan Harbinger Show.
“Taylor’s been at the top of the game for a very, very long time,” he explained. “I don’t care if you like her music or you don’t like her music. Look at what she’s doing. It’s unbelievable to be able to pull that off over and over and over and over.”
Considering the mutual respect between Kobe and Swift, seeing Swift wear the necklace likely meant the world to Vanessa.