Kobe Bryant's daughter Natalia earns praise from Jennifer Garner and Kate Hudson on college graduation
proudly honored her late father, Kobe Bryant, while graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) this weekend.
Five years after the NBA legend was tragically killed in a helicopter crash, his eldest child, 22, found a special way to keep him close on her special media.
The model, who has already walked for brands like Versace and BOSS, paid tribute to her dad by wearing the 'Black Mamba' symbol over her heart.
The sheath logo was embroidered above the words 'School of Cinematic Arts,' 'USC,' and the university's rallying cry, 'Fight On!', on her red and gold graduation stole.
Her sash also featured the name of her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, along with 'Class of 2025' and her impressive level of academic distinction.
Natalia earned the honor of cum laude, which goes to studious undergraduates that achieve a GPA between 3.50 to 3.74.
Her mother, Vanessa Bryant, shared a close-up of the stole on Instagram along with a sweet caption, which read: '4 ever.'
Natalia's achievement was met with love and support from friends and fans alike, including heartfelt congratulations from celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Storm Reid and Ciara.
'I am beyond proud of you beautiful @nataliabryant Vanessa I saw the love that you poured into your daughter ❤️❤️❤️You did a great job❤️,' Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, commented.
Jessica Alba commented: '❤️❤️❤️ congrats!!!! @nataliabryant -wow!'
Khloé Kardashian also raved: 'Congratulations! This is such a huge accomplishment!'
Michael B. Jordan sweetly commented under Natalia's Instagram: 'Congratulations!! World is yours!!'
Natalia graduated from Sage Hill High School in June 2021, just a few months after she committed to the University of Southern California.
She went on to sign with IMG Models in 2021 and is currently pursuing a career as a film director with a focus on 'girlhood and coming-of-age stories.'
The model, who has already walked for brands like Versace and BOSS, paid tribute to her dad by wearing the 'Black Mamba' symbol over her heart
Natalia previously revealed that her father winning an Oscar has inspired her to also pursue an Academy Award.
'In 10 years. I want to win an Oscar. I'm not sure for what, or for what Oscar category, but that's on my list,' she said in 2021 interview. 'I want to make a film where I can incorporate fashion and those fashion aspects, and I think combining my two passions, that's just amazing. I want to be able to do that.'
Her father was just starting to dabble in film himself before his untimely passing in 2020, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
Kobe won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film for his 2017 film Dear Basketball, which was an animated telling of his poem of the same name.
Natalia's achievement was met with love and support from friends and fans alike, including heartfelt congratulations from celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Storm Reid and Ciara
The NBA star wrote and executive produced the film and lent his voice to the Oscar-winning film as well.
In addition to pursuing her degree, Natalia has spent the past few years making a name for herself in the fashion industry.
This includes making her runway debut in September 2023 at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week.
She was also an intern to Beyoncé for the Renaissance World Tour.
In February 2024, she graced the cover of Town & Country and spoke about her love for film and modeling.
'I think it's fun to have my foot in both worlds,' she told the outlet. 'They're both collaborative, and you meet so many different people.'
While speaking about her mindset and professional goals, Natalia explained she knows she has 'to keep learning' because 'there's no finish line.'
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