With the world still reeling over the sudden loss of NBA icon, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant, a tribute from sports commentator Elle Duncan has prompted dads all over to celebrate his example.
Duncan shared an exchange she had with Bryant at an event where he beamed about how proud he was to be a father to all girls.
“Girls are the best,” Bryant told Duncan, proclaiming that he would have five more girls if he could. “I am a girl Dad,” he told the sports analyst when they met.
Duncan talked about the moment, getting emotional as she recalled how Bryant spoke of his daughter Gianna. “When it came to sports, he said that his oldest daughter was an accomplished volleyball player and that the youngest was a toddler so TBD [to be determined], but that middle one, he said ‘that middle one was a monster, she’s a beast. She’s better than I was at her age,’” Duncan said.
“I suppose that the only small source of comfort for me is knowing that he died doing what he loved the most -- being a dad, being a girl dad,” Duncan added.
"I would have 5 more girls if I could. I'm a girl dad."@elleduncanESPN's story about how much Kobe loved his daughters is something special. pic.twitter.com/1KJx17QRjY
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 28, 2020
The emotional moment went viral. Adding some joy to an otherwise sad time for the world. The internet lit up with fathers posting pictures and videos of their daughters with the hashtag #GirlDad, in honor of Bryant.
As we remember and celebrate Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s life, we’re sharing some of our favorite photos from the viral hashtag that have made us smile.
Being a #GirlDad is a beautiful thing ♥️ Tag your favorite girl dad and show them some love today! 👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/5DYyQ9kdsg
— BET (@BET) January 29, 2020
You can’t put into words the bond between father and daughter. Koko, you are my world and I am so proud of everything you have become and who you are becoming. Maximize each day and moment!! #LLMM #girldad pic.twitter.com/qE5fFWvRXG
— Michael Locksley (@CoachLocks) January 29, 2020
You are my world baby girl. I’m so blessed to have you. You’re all I’ve wished for. ✌🏽❤️❤️ #girldad pic.twitter.com/tQ6bmdFCbU
— Chris Thompson (@ChrisThompson_4) January 29, 2020
Proud ass #GirlDad @elleduncanESPN pic.twitter.com/rBYl3A2xya
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) January 29, 2020
I’m a proud #GirlDad pic.twitter.com/268Mp62B7l
— Xilla Valentine (@BlogXilla) January 28, 2020
I’ve accomplished many things in my life and I am proud of them all.
— WALTER JONES (@BigWalt71) January 29, 2020
Though I must confess that my favorite is being a #girldad. pic.twitter.com/eUaGrTMZKK
I am proud and honored to be a #GirlDad!❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/y6oe5VAIhz
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) January 29, 2020
Proud to be a #GirlDad pic.twitter.com/uNTsYw6WJT
— Tee Martin (@coachtee17) January 29, 2020
My baby Reign ♥️♥️♥️ #girldad pic.twitter.com/Mj7HDmMRkJ
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) January 28, 2020
Duncan also tweeted a picture with her father saying, “If you’re feeling any kind of way, scroll through this feed and look at all these PROUD #girldad’s … this is trending nationwide because there’s no greater or more significant relationship than that of a dad and his daughter(s) … I hope it eases your blues.”
Please if you’re feeling any kind of way, scroll through this feed and look at all these PROUD #girldad ‘s .. this is trending nationwide because there’s no greater or more significant relationship than that of a dad and his daughter(s) .. i hope it eases your blues. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/DbUQVbVO22
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) January 28, 2020
It has Elle! Thank you for sharing your story and thank you to all the #GirlDads of the world. You are appreciated!
Rest in paradise Kobe and Gianna.
Photo Courtesy of Kobe Bryant/Instagram