The cast of Glee is continuing to celebrate the life of their mega-talented co-star, Naya Rivera, who tragically passed away at the age of 33. Amber Riley, who memorably played fan-favorite Mercedes Jones on the Fox series, has revealed how she remembers Rivera and Cory Monteith every day.
Amber Riley took to social media to remember both of her friends and co-stars with a poignant post. The singer/actress took a deep dive into her friendship with Naya Rivera, recalling her friend with tremendous affection. On how she will remember Rivera and Cory Monteith going forward, Riley wrote on Instagram:
I say your name everyday and hold you in my heart, just like I do Cory.
Amber Riley shares that she says Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith’s names every day to remember them. Rivera went missing earlier this July after renting a boat to ride across Lake Piru with her son. A search of the area, which is known to be dangerous for swimmers, quickly got underway. Among those to gather around the lake where Rivera disappeared were Riley and Heather Morris (Brittany Pierce).
In a tragic turn of events, Naya Rivera’s remains were discovered seven years to the day of hers and Amber Riley’s Glee co-star Cory Monteith’s death. Monteith died on July 13, 2013. A photo that Rivera had sent to her family from that fateful day helped investigators narrow the search, which helped lead to the tragic discovery of her remains.
In her latest Instagram post, Amber Riley opens up about her friendship with Naya Rivera and hers and Rivera’s relationship behind-the-scenes of Glee. Riley also shares her awe of Rivera’s talent, saying she was more than just Glee. Of her friendship with Rivera, Riley wrote:
There was never competition, or shade, or intimidation with us. Just pure adoration and mutual respect. You deserved better. You were so much more than just this show. Your talent outshined us all so many times!
The passing of Naya Rivera has the Glee family grieving yet another co-star. Sadly, Rivera will not get a tribute on the TV show, which ended back in 2015. Cory Monteith’s passing was addressed on-screen via the death of Monteith’s character, Finn. In the years since then, the cast of Glee has not forgotten. They have paid tribute to Monteith on the anniversary of his death, years after his passing.
After Cory Monteith’s passing, Glee celebrated Monteith’s Finn with a tribute episode that saw art imitating life. The installment included performances from Amber Riley and Naya Rivera. For her tribute, Rivera sang The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young.” In light of her passing, the performance has taken on new meaning.
After Rivera’s passing, Monteith’s mother, Ann McGregor, posted a moving tribute to Rivera, sharing what Rivera meant to her son.
You can currently stream Naya Rivera and Amber Riley’s many memorable performances both together and apart on Netflix. To watch Rivera and Riley’s duet cover of Ike and Tina Turner’s “River Deep, Mountain High,” head over to Season 2, Episode 4 entitled “Duets.”
