This was her first public appearance after their death. The two were killed along with seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on the 26th of January.
She described her beloved "Gigi" as thoughtful, sweet and beautiful and mourned the milestones they would miss with the young woman she believed was destined for basketball greatness like her dad.
The two did not have it easy in their marriage, especially from their family. Kobe Bryant's family was reportedly against their decision to marry and did not attend the couple's wedding at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, California in April 2001.
In her tribute, Vanessa mentioned that he was always there for their children and that is the memory he wants his children to have of their father.
She gave examples of the many times Kobe stepped up as a father and a husband that made more than 20,000 people in the center shed tears.
Vanessa Bryant filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that operated the helicopter that crashed last month, killing her husband, Kobe daughter, Gianna and seven others.
The complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Fillmore-based Island Express Holding Corp. and Island Express Helicopters alleges that pilot Ara Zobayan, who also died in the crash in Calabasas, failed “to use ordinary care in piloting the subject aircraft” and was negligent.
Watch Vanessa's moving tribute at the Staples Center courtesy of Bleacher Report below:
