“Special place in my heart”: Vanessa Bryant honors Kobe’s legacy with new family court at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach

On February 24, Vanessa Bryant joined Hoag leaders and loved ones to unveil the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. The new space stands at the Sue & Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion, where many families take their first steps home with a newborn in their arms.For the Bryant family, the location holds significance. Vanessa gave birth to all four of her daughters at Hoag. After each delivery, Kobe Bryant would wait in the departure area to bring his wife and daughters home. That experience inspired a philanthropic gift that now transforms the same space into a lasting tribute for her husband.

Vanessa Bryant unveils the new Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Court at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach

The Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Court serves as a prominent departure space for patients, especially new mothers preparing to leave the hospital.

The newly installed signage reflects legacy and gratitude. During the ceremony, Vanessa noted the emotional timing tied to the date.“It is a beautiful coincidence that the number 24 is on the outside of the now Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Court,” Bryant said.

She later shared her thoughts on Instagram, writing, "Today on 2/24, we unveiled the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family court at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

HOAG Hospital will always hold a special place in my heart having delivered our four daughters there. The staff took such great care of us and we are happy to give back for future generations! 🤍."

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Court supports Hoag Hospital’s expanding patient care

The Bryant family’s contribution arrives as Hoag continues major growth across Orange County. The hospital recently expanded services in San Clemente and is nearing completion of the $1 billion Sun Family Campus expansion in Irvine.

At the same time, improvements continue at the Newport Beach campus.“Hoag is a special place,” Bryant said. “I have wonderful memories of the care and support I received from the amazing doctors and nurses. I want this gift to help more people experience that level of care when they need it.”Hospital leadership showered praise on Vanessa and her family. “This gesture from the Bryant family will have a lasting impact on Hoag, helping us significantly expand care in Newport Beach,” said Robert Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag.

“What makes this gift so special is the meaningful connection the Bryant family has with Hoag. We’re proud to be part of their healthcare journey.”Caroline Pereira, president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation, said, “Hoag has always been a hospital built by its community’s generosity, and we are grateful that Vanessa and her family are carrying that tradition forward. Thanks to philanthropy like theirs, Hoag is a nationally recognized healthcare leader that has become a destination for patients from near and far.”Vanessa and her daughters are very active in keeping Kobe’s memories and legacy alive. While they often share his historic stats on social media, they are also doing multiple philanthropic works in his name.