NBA and Lakers legend, Pau Gasol and his wife Catherine McDonnell welcomed their first child over the weekend, as the couple named their newborn baby girl after the late Gianna Bryant, who was the daughter to his late friend and teammate, Kobe Bryant.
Taking to his social media page on Sunday, Pau Gasol who is a
two-time NBA champion announced that they welcomed their first child. The former LA Lakers player posting a photo of their newborn showing just her little hand, on his Instagram, said:
“Our little one has finally arrived!! The delivery went really well and we couldn’t be happier!!”.
Pau Gasol, honoured his close friend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. Gianna and her father died on Jan. 26 in a tragic helicopter crash that also seven others.
“Elisabet Gianna Gasol 😍, a very meaningful name for our super beautiful daughter!! ❤️👨👩👧 #girldad,” Pau Gasol added, sharing another photo of the couple together at the hospital.
McDonnell shared her own announcement post, revealing that the baby girl was born on Sept. 10, a very special day for the couple.
“Elisabet Gianna Gasol joined our family on September 10th, 2020 ✨ She made a quick and easy entrance on a VERY special day, her great-grandmother Elizabeth’s 100th birthday and her mom and dad’s 2nd engagement anniversary.💖 We are already so in love with our sweet Ellie!! 💜,” she shared.
The couple chose Vanessa Bryant to be their daughter’s godmother.
“My goddaughter is here!!!! Congratulations @paugasol@catmcdonnell7 Love you 3 so much! So touched by your request to honor my Gigi ❤️Can’t wait to hold Elisabet Gianna Gasol ❤️,” Vanessa shared on Instagram.
McDonnell first announced she was pregnant in July, raving about her husband.
“5 years together, 4 moves, 3 months in quarantine with my family, 2 wedding anniversaries and 1 baby on the way! What a year it has been. You are going to be the best dad @paugasol! Love you ❤️🍼 #BabyGasolOnTheWay,” she shared.
Just weeks before telling the world their big news, the pair celebrated their first wedding anniversary on July 7. Gasol shared a touching tribute to his wife for helping him get through this difficult year.
“Happy 1st anniversary my love! It’s been a very emotional year. Thank you for being my rock and being by my side the entire time. You are the most wonderful woman and I love you more every day. Let’s keep dancing through life together baby!” he wrote.