‘Girl Dads' Are Sharing Love for Their Daughters in Honor of Kobe Bryant

Since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, fans have shown an outpouring of love for the basketball superstar and his daughter Gianna. While many anecdotes about the legend have been shared, one particular story has tugged at the heartstrings of proud dads everywhere and has led to a viral tribute to Bryant and his daughters.

ESPN anchor Elle Duncan shared a personal story about the first time she met Kobe and how he gushed about being a “Girl Dad.” Duncan, who was eight months pregnant at the time, recalled her conversation with Bryant and how he said "girls are the best" after she revealed she would soon have her own daughter.

“Just be grateful that you’ve been given that gift because girls are amazing,” Bryant, who was the father of Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3 and Capri, 7 months, said. “I would have five more girls if I could. I am a girl dad."

As Bryant gushed about each of his daughters, he talked about Gianna, also known as Gigi, and her amazing basketball talent. Kobe even said she was better than he was at her age.

Duncan ended her tribute to Kobe by saying: “I suppose the only small source of comfort for me is knowing he died doing what he loved the most. Being a dad. Being a girl dad.”

The video of Duncan telling this story quickly went viral and the hashtag #GirlDad took off. From celebrities, athletes and musicians to regular dads everywhere, #GirlDad began trending all over the world. Proud dads began sharing stories full of love and admiration for their daughters and how being a #GirlDad has made them better men.

Duncan herself commented on the #GirlDad hashtag, tweeting: “I’m so moved by the outpouring of support behind my story about Kobe. And I love that #girldad is trending.. so for all those proud fathers who still have their girls to love on can you flood my timeline with pics of you and your flock. Honestly I need it as much as anyone rt now.”

Tell us about your favorite #GirlDad in the comments.