Vanessa Bryant Discusses Coping With Her Grief One Year After Losing Husband Kobe and Daughter Gigi in PEOPLE’s ‘Women Changing the World’

Vanessa Bryant is one of PEOPLE’s Women Changing the World in 2021 as she opens up about life without husband Kobe and daughter Gigi one year after their deaths.

Named one of PEOPLE’s Women Changing the World, Bryant is now focused on being a mother and staying strong for her three other daughters, 18-year-old Natalia, 4-year-old Bianka and 20-month-old Capri. This comes 14 months after losing husband Kobe and 13-year-old daughter Gigi last January in a tragic helicopter crash.

The deaths of Kobe and Gigi shook the world as fans of the 5-time NBA veteran grappled with his untimely death. Millions flocked to social media to give their condolences and express their shock and sadness upon hearing the news.

Each year since 2016, PEOPLE has highlighted important women that have made an impact, including powerful women like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Ranging from entertainers to scientists, these women have achieved and inspired while overcoming obstacles and breaking down barriers.

Vanessa Bryant looks so gorgeous on the cover of People magazine. The strength of that woman is unbelievable 💜💛

— Rice Cakes 💋 (@asianting_) March 3, 2021

As part of this year’s list, Bryant describes dealing with such an unimaginable loss, and she credits her daughters for getting her through such a difficult and painful time. “My girls help me smile through the pain. They give me strength,” she told PEOPLE.

The past year hasn’t been easy for the Bryant family and she admits there are times when it’s hard to keep going. “I can’t say that there aren’t days when I feel like I can’t survive to the next,” she said.

The way Vanessa Bryant conducts herself is so classy and beautiful. What a woman

— kathy (@KatDuncan07) March 4, 2021

Bryant’s issue comes just in time for International Women’s Day on March 8. The mother of four looks beautiful on the cover as she sports a Lakers varsity jacket with her late husband’s infamous number 24 on the sleeve. A necklace with the letter “G” pops out from underneath.

Vanessa Bryant is a testament to how God will make you tap into your strength in ways you never knew you could do it

— Hamala Karris (@boooooojee) March 3, 2021

Bryant is determined to keep her husband and daughter’s names and legacies alive by continuing to honor them in any way she can. She recently relaunched Kobe’s charity, renaming it the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which empowers young girls and gives opportunities to underprivileged athletes.

Vanessa Bryant for People Magazine. 😍 I mean WOW pic.twitter.com/2F6gNZXCTm

— kourt. (@heyitskourt_) March 3, 2021

Many are showing their support for Bryant and admiring her strength as they continue to uplift her and the rest of her family. Be sure to check out her issue in PEOPLE and get the full list of PEOPLE’s Women Changing the World in 2021.