Even amid the Met Gala’s dazzling throng, one headline-grabbing moment wasn’t on the red carpet. It was in La La Anthony’s phone. Between her half-tulle, half-jumpsuit look and livestream duties, she paused to celebrate her lifelong friend, Vanessa Bryant, proving that true bonds can outshine any diamond necklace

La La Anthony, for starters, had plenty on her plate. She wasn’t just turning heads, she was also back on duty as the host of the Met Gala red carpet. If anyone had an excuse to be completely absorbed in the glamor and chaos of fashion’s biggest night, it was her. Yet, Vanessa still found a place in her thoughts.

“Been at the MET GALA all day but still celebrating my love @vanessabryant bday,” she wrote on Instagram. “I love you so much… Miss you!! I hope you enjoyed your day today and felt all the love! You are one of one and deserve all the happiness in the world!!! I’m coming to LA and forcing you to come out!!” That kind of dedication? It’s rare. And La La wasn’t the only one proving just how solid her friendship with Vanessa really is.

Ciara, who lit up the Met Gala carpet in a sparkling semi-sheer turtleneck dress styled to fit the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme, also carved out time to send some love Vanessa’s way. With cameras flashing and fashion critics raving, she could’ve easily stayed in the moment—but she chose to make her bestie feel special too.

“Happy Birthday to my Bestie Boo @vanessabryant!! I love you so much! [heart emojis],” she posted, followed by a second Instagram Story showing the two of them together. The caption? “Never a dull moment…” Though Kim and Kris often lead the birthday chorus, their silence this year was conspicuous. Of course, it’s possible they sent their love behind the scenes or might chime in later. But as of now, their usual public shout-outs are missing.

Still, Vanessa’s feed overflowed with affection from her inner circle.  The one family you can always count on to be there for the Bryants? The Gasols. While Pau Gasol was more of a brother than friend to Kobe Bryant, ever since Black Mamba’s demise, the Spaniard had been there for Vanessa and the Bryant family’s daughters in all their ups and downs. All for a promise made between two friends to look after each other’s kids’ growth. No wonder Cat Gasol reached out to Vanessa on IG to extend her heartfelt wish.

“Happy birthday @vanessabryant… You are the definition of a best friend and I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are strong, witty, beautiful, smart, loyal, fun, competitive, stubborn, funny, and so much more. If only everyone could have a best friend like you… I hope this year is as special as you are,” Cat wrote.

Yet another big name to celebrate Bryant’s special day? Former WNBA star Candace Parker. She joined the celebration by sharing a photo of her daughter in Vanessa’s arms. She summed it up perfectly in her caption: “Happy birthday Auntie V we love you…” However, one of the most heartfelt ones? It came from the eldest daughter of the Bryant family.

Vanessa Bryant receives a throwback tribute from Natalia Bryant

Vanessa Bryant’s birthday got a little brighter this Tuesday, thanks to a heartfelt gesture from her daughter, Natalia Bryant. The eldest of the Bryant family shared a touching tribute that instantly pulled at heartstrings. And gave fans a peek into a precious mother-daughter memory.

Taking to her Instagram story, Natalia posted an adorable throwback photo of herself as a toddler cuddled in Vanessa’s arms. Alongside the photo, she simply wrote, “Happy Birthday Mommy.” The image showed Vanessa sporting a fitted Los Angeles Lakers jersey while baby Natalia wore a yellow floral dress and pink headband—an instant viral moment.

Moments later, Natalia shared a second Story from a recent family ski outing—Vanessa in sleek all-black snow gear paired with matching goggles—and simply wrote, “You’re the coolest!” The former story really sold the resemblance between the mother and daughter, a wholesome watch for the fans. In interviews, Natalia has described Vanessa as “the strongest person I’ve ever known,” likening her mom to “the sun,” whose smile always shines. Even on cloudy days

Born on May 5, 1982, Vanessa has now turned 43. Over the years, she’s become a beacon of strength, continuing to lead the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and keeping Kobe and Gianna’s legacy alive in meaningful ways. But for now, it’s all about the birthday joy. And if La La Anthony has her way, the real celebration might kick off once she forces Vanessa out of LA, just like she promised.