As Fourth Birthday Without Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi Approaches, Vanessa Bryant Can Take a Page From Best Friend and Russell Wilson’s Wife Ciara’s Party Playbook

Time heals all wounds. However, for Vanessa Bryant, four years might not be enough. Thankfully, she has her best friend, Ciara Wilson, by her side. Ever since the untimely tragedy that struck the Bryant family with the passing of Kobe and Gianna, Russell Wilson and Ciara have been rock-solid support systems for Vanessa and her children. As the latter approaches another birthday without her husband, Ciara looked to fill the void with some party tricks and cocktail shenanigans.

Grammy-winning R&B sensation Ciara has always taken time out of her busy schedule to be there for her friend Vanessa. After releasing the hit single ‘Da Girls’ last month, Ciara is flying high right now. And to make her friend Vanessa Bryant’s special day even more special, she could do a myriad of things. Her latest IG story gives a taste of her party side.

A special birthday potion for Vanessa Bryant?

It’s unclear how Ciara Wilson and Vanessa Bryant’s friendship started, but the two have been tight for a long time. That relationship only became stronger after the January 26, 2020, tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash. The Denver Broncos quarterback and his wife were seated next to Vanessa at the NBA legend’s funeral at Staples Center. Ciara and Vanessa have been inseparable ever since.

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Vanessa celebrates her 41st birthday on May 5. And Ciara looked like she was already in the celebration mood. She made a special ‘Da Girls’ spicy Daiquiri cocktail, something she claimed had never been tasted before. “You ever had Hot Sauce in your drink?” she said. This was a partnership with Ten-To-One Rum, a beverage company, where Ciara is an investor and co-owner. She also posted the recipe for the garnish and the spicier version of the cocktail on her IG story. It’s unclear if this cocktail was for Vanessa, but Ciara is known to go out of the way to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Last year, for her 40th birthday, Ciara wished Mamba Mummy with a heartwarming post on Instagram. “Happy Birthday to my boo, Vanessa Bryant. The ultimate super mama. I love you so much,” she captioned the photo. The ‘Get Up’ singer also added an adorable hashtag titled, ‘I’ll always squeeze in the tiniest bed with you’.

Russell Wilson and Kobe Bryant also shared a close bond

The former Seattle Seahawks quarterback also left an IG story message for Vanessa on her birthday last year. “Keep going, keep shining. Keep being the star that you are. We love you. Happy Birthday,” he said. This is no surprise to sports fans, given the relationship Wilson shared with his “biggest inspiration” Kobe Bryant. “We miss you. Thankful for being not only a legend on the court but most importantly with your girls,” the QB captioned a post on the late Laker’s birthday. Wilson and Bryant even played in a celebrity softball game together.

The Wilsons are always there for Vanessa. Back when the NBA launched platinum jerseys to celebrate the Mamba, Ciara bought a bunch of them and showed them off on her IG story. Never failing to support her friend, the cocktail party assumptions aren’t very far off. Happy birthday, Vanessa!

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