Many people have faced tragic circumstances, just as Natalia Diamante Bryant did. Natalia lost her father and sister in a helicopter accident near Calabasas, on January 26, 2020.
It would surely shock any teenager, but Natalia, with the help of her family pulled through. After all, her middle name “Diamante” means “Diamond.” She was indeed a picture of strength as a diamond would.
Learn more about Natalia Bryant, the eldest daughter of Kobe and Vanessa Bryant, and how she keeps working to honor her father and sister’s name. Before we delve into the fascinating facts, here’s a bit of Natalia’s background.
Kobe Bryant’s Oldest Daughter
Natalia is Kobe and Vanessa Bryant’s oldest daughter. She was born on January 19, 2003. She celebrated her 17th birthday in 2020, and a week later, the accident happened.
Her three other sisters are Gianna (Gigi), Bianka, and Capri. Capri was born in June 2019, six months before the tragic passing of Kobe and Gigi. As she should, Natalia is proud of her dad’s accomplishments and called her relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers legend one of “the greatest joys of her life.”
five Fascinating Facts About Natalia Diamante Bryant
Fact #1: Kobe Called Natalia A “Seasoned Vet” As A 16-year-old Driver
You know somebody is trustworthy when he or she is already driving responsibly at 16 years old. And that’s exactly how Kobe described Natalia.
In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in August 2019, Bryant lauded Natalia’s nerves as a young driver.
“She’s just really calm on the wheel. She doesn’t want to listen to any loud or fast music… She’s just really calm, cool, and collected, man, and I’m very proud of her.”
Kobe on his daughter Natalia’s driving skills
Fact #2: She Loves Talking About Her Dad
As much as Kobe loves to talk about her daughters, the feeling is mutual with Natalia. In a Teen Vogue interview, she called talking about her dad “bittersweet,” but it’s more of an enjoyable experience for her than a sad one.
On top of that, Natalia also calls Kobe “the best girl dad ever.”
“He was just letting me play my playlist and jam out to Taylor Swift the whole ride back, and talk about Star Wars too. It was so much fun.”
Natalia on why Kobe is the best girl dad
Don’t worry, Natalia, you’re not alone. Many people, especially the basketball players he inspired, love talking about your dad, too.
Fact #3: Her Nickname is “Slim”
Okay, this isn’t rocket science, but who gave her that nickname and what’s the background story?
In a YouTube video sponsored by Vogue, Natalia showed off her necklace that says “Slim.”
“That was my nickname growing up. I was just so eency-teency. All my jerseys said slim. I didn’t grow into the jerseys until I was, like, older. So my dad would always call me ‘Slim.'”
Natalia on her nickname
Fact #4: She’s a Model
In 2021, when she was 18 years old, Natalia signed with IMG Models. Natalia revealed she has had a passion for fashion since she was little and has always wanted to be a model. In fact, she made her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023 during the Versace Spring/Summer 2024 show.
Fact #5: She Plays Volleyball
Natalia Diamante Bryant may be the daughter of someone who has a seat in the GOAT basketball player conversation, but she’s not into hoops that much.
As a matter of fact, Natalia loves and plays volleyball, and wanted to be a D1 volleyball player. In addition, her dedication to the sport shined through when she was the captain of the varsity volleyball team at Sage Hill High School.
The helicopter crash made her stop playing for a while. After that, she abandoned her college athlete plans, although she is now a third-year in undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California (USC).
Final Words: Natalia Diamante Bryant
Natalia Diamante Bryant is the oldest daughter of Lakers icon Kobe Bryant. The elder Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his second daughter, Gigi, and seven others on January 26, 2020.
Even though fate tragically took two people from the Bryant family, the girls remained strong. The young woman is making her daddy proud by pursuing a modeling career, continuing her college education, being her mommy’s right-hand woman, and caring for her younger sisters.
As far as we can see, Kobe’s influence is strong in Natalia’s life.
