Kobe Bryant’s widow Vanessa receives sweetest birthday message from Pau Gasol’s wife

Cat Gasol and Kobe’s former teammate remain super close with the Bryant family.

March 7, 2023: Pau Gasol embraces Vanessa Bryant during his jersey retirement ceremony at halftime in the NBA. | IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol were “brothers,” and while he’s gone, his family remains super close to the former Los Angeles Lakers star, referring to him as “uncle” Pau. His wife Catherine “Cat” Gasol is also besties with Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant, and for her 43rd penned the sweetest note.

The Bryants and the Gasols recently took a ski trip together where Vanessa’s daughter Natalia matched mom in an all-black ski fit, and Bianka, 8, and Capri, 5, adorably wore matching pink while hanging out with Pau and Cat’s kids Elisabet Gianna, who was named after Gigi Bryant and is 4, and Max, 2. The Gasols also have new baby Arianna.

RELATED: Kobe Bryant’s daughter Natalia posts amazing mom Vanessa throwback photo

Pau with Kobe’s daughter Natalia | Pau Gasol/Instagram

For the holidays, Vanessa sent the Gasols an elite gift in memory of Kobe, while on tough dates like her and Kobe’s anniversary Pau and Cat made Vanessa feel special with a sweet gift. On Gigi’s birthday on May 2, they also sent Vanessa an amazing butterfly flower arrangement.

Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

RELATED: Vanessa Bryant 'bestie' Ciara posts heartwarming birthday note to her 'boo'

For Vanessa’s birthday, Cat shared the sweetest pic with her bestie, and penned the following heartwarming note: “Happy birthday @vanessabryant ❤️ You are the definition for a best friend and I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are strong, witty, beautiful, smart, loyal, fun, competitive, stubborn, funny, and so much more. If only everyone could have a best friend like you 🥰 I hope this year is as special as you are. ✨”

Cat Gasol/Instagram

How beautiful and touching. That’s a friend for life.

Natalia Bryant with Max Gasol | Vanessa Bryant/Instagram

Hopefully Vanessa enjoyed her birthday and is starting 43 out right.

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

Chill vibes: Shedeur Sanders arrives at Browns facility in ‘Legendary’ casual fit

Who dat?: Jordan Chiles unrecognizable with new hairstyle after UCLA season

First-place fit: ESPN’s Molly Qerim rocks springtime NYC miniskirt fit in the city

BeyHive VIP: Vanessa Bryant rocks cowboy hat with Beyoncé’s mom at concert

Last hoorah: Livvy Dunne’s ‘officially retired’ dress wows on LSU’s girls night out