Speaking out on social media for the first time since the loss of Kobe and Gianna...

Vanessa Bryant Asks For Family To Be Granted "Respect And Privacy" As They "Navigate This New Reality"

Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram today to share a touching statement on behalf of her family... find out what she said and see the beautiful new photo here!

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Vanessa Bryant may have just made her Instagram public as of recently, but she's already using it as a way to reach out to her supporters, sending a message of gratitude to everyone who's stood by her and her daughters over the past few days. In the first post she's made since the loss of husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna, Bryant speaks out for the first time about the tragedy her family's endured, with a statement in her own words alongside a stunning family photo.

Bryant's first statement post-tragedy: what she said

Bryant starts off by acknowledging the outpouring of support and love she and her family have received, thanking everyone for their prayers. "We definitely need them", she says. "We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri," Bryant continues. "We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately".

Bryant talks family's effort "to keep pushing"

Bryant goes on to refer to Kobe and Gianna as having been "beautiful blessings" in her life, talking about her love for them in great length. Her emotional statement also comes with a direct request to the public. "Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality", Bryant says.

Vanessa Bryant's "Team Mamba" announcement

Bryant then shares the news that on behalf of her "Team Mamba" family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up a special fundraising effort, called the "MambaOnThree" fund. The fund is stated to provide aid to the other families who had their lives affected by the crash that took Kobe and Gianna's lives, and Bryant urges people to donate at MambaOnThree.org. She also encourages visiting MambaSportsFoundation.org as a way to "further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports".