‘Glee’ Stars and Celebrities React to Naya Rivera’s Death — Jane Lynch, Lea Michele and More

Nickayla Rivera

The actress’ sister shared a heartfelt tribute one week after her death.

“Sister,⁣ there are no words to describe my love for you. Side by side or miles apart, our connection is infinite. Our bond is unbreakable. We were complete opposites, yet simultaneously the same. The yin to my yang. I never knew that by losing you, I would find so much of you in myself,” Nickayla wrote on July 25.
⁣
“I’ve never known a life without you in it & still can’t imagine it. My world is turned upside down. But through it all, everything we were, we are still. I’ll always look at you with the same eyes as I did when I was young.,” she added. “My shmaya, I’ll love you for eternity & miss you every second of my life.”

Ryan Dorsey

Rivera’s ex-husband shared a heartbreaking tribute to her one week after her death was confirmed.

“This is so unfair … there’s not enough words to express the hole left in everyone’s hearts. I can’t believe this is life now. I don’t know if I’ll ever believe it. You were just here… We were just in the back swimming with Josey the day before. Life just isn’t fair. I don’t know what to say…I’m thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for. I remember sometimes you used to get annoyed at me: “Ryan can you stop snap chatting!” Haha. I’m glad I didn’t listen to you because I have hundreds and probably thousands of snaps and videos that Josey will have forever and know his momma loved him more than life, and how much fun we had together as he was growing up. Life is all about good times and bad times but with Josey it makes the bad a little less so because a part of you will always be with us. He’ll never forget where he came from. We miss you. We will always love you. Love you Meep,” he wrote via Instagram on July 25.

“To everyone that reached out and I haven’t had a chance to or just didn’t get back to you … thank you all for the overwhelming love and support you’ve sent our way. I’ll just say in closing, be kind to yourself, be kind to others, forgive … forget … don’t hold grudges …. if you have nothing nice to say maybe try not to say anything. There’s peace in silence. Time on Earth is precious and you just never know …. you never know what could happen. Hold your loved ones close, and cherish the times you have with those you care about,” he added.

Big Sean

Rapper Big Sean wrote a touching tribute to his ex-fiance following her death.

“Rest In Peace Naya, God Bless your Soul! Thank you for blessing us all with your talent and presence. you are a hero! Not just because of how you saved your son, also because of the barriers you knocked down for so many people to make them feel confident in themselves and to stand tall and be proud when they couldn’t achieve that on their own,” he wrote on July 17. “I appreciate and cherish everything that ever happened between us for making me wiser and a better person. I’m still grieving and in shock, I can’t believe this is real. I’m praying for you and your family and I know your watching over them and protecting them. Rest In Peace Naya.”

Dot-Marie Jones

Dot-Marie, who played Coach Shannon Beiste on Glee, shared a touching tribute during an appearance on The Talk on July 15.

“She was a gift,” she said while wiping away tears. “It’s hard to fathom, you know? It’s heartbreaking. It’s one of those things you see on the news and then it’s like, ‘God bless those people.’ And now, we’re those people.”

Heather Morris

Heather took to Instagram with a series of photos of Naya’s son and her kids together and a touching message. “We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase,” she wrote. “However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding. The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them everyday and think of you. I still listen to your EP on repeat because from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice. You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them. You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food. We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life.

You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful ). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted.

We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing, because we shared that kind of pride and joy. So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goof balls for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I. I speak to you everyday because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.”

Dianna Agron

“Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show,” wrote Dianna, who played Quinn Fabray on Glee. “In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet. ⁣”
⁣⁣
“I’ve been revisiting Naya’s performances on our show and it has brought me great joy,” she continued. “To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb – her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent – supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons. ⁣
⁣⁣
I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust. I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontaneous 36 hour excursion – one might even say diversion – to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.⁣⁣
On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L’École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
In absolute, loving memory.”

Jane Lynch

“Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family,” Jane, who played Sue Sylvester on Glee, tweeted.

Max Adler

Max, who played David Karofsky on Glee, tweeted a series of crying and broken heart emojis. Additionally, he wrote, “Hey, July 13th,” with a middle finger emoji seemingly acknowledging the date is also the anniversary of Cory Monteith’s death.

Lea Michele

Lea shared black-and-white photos of both Naya and her late boyfriend Cory Monteith on her Instagram Story.

Josh Sussman

Josh, who played Jacob Ben Israel on Glee, wrote, “Naya, you will be missed so much,” with a broken heart and sad face emoji.

Alex Newell

Alex, who played Unique Adams on Glee, shared a touching anecdote about Naya and concluded with, “I watched her perform with such power, brilliance and honesty … while being a light as a person! The love she had for her family and friends was always clear! She will truly be missed! Josey, you are loved by all the people who love your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with her family! Rest Sweet Angel.”

Ashley Benson

“RIP sweet Naya,” Ashley tweeted.

Bebe Rexha

“This is an absolute nightmare. I had the pleasure of having dinner with her once after a recording session we did together and she was an absolute sweetheart,” Bebe wrote. “My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven. Rest In Peace Naya Rivera”

Madison Bailey

“Rest In Peace Naya. You are an icon to me. Your role as Santana played a special part in my life. Sending her family and friends good energy,” the Outer Banks actress. 

Mandy Moore

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and holding space for her son and loved ones,” Mandy wrote.

NeNe Leakes

“I was praying for a miracle! I wanted you to come home to your baby so bad. This hurts! I will hold the memories close to my heart and remember the good times, the laughs and the way we would cut up on set. Those were fun times! Please pray for Naya’s family,” the Real Housewives of Atlanta star wrote.

Tamera Mowry

“Can’t believe I’m writing this. My heart. So many emotions. So many memories. My mind did not want to accept this. My sweet Naya. I love you. Will always love you. I’ll never forget your sweet smile, your amazing voice and your warmth and love that has always welcomed me. I knew as early as 9 years old you were going to grace us with so much talent and so much beauty. I’m so grateful to have been blessed with your presence for over 20 years. You took my breath away and always will. Another angel has gained her wings. My heart goes out to the Rivera family,” Tamera captioned a heartfelt post on Instagram. 

Tia Mowry

“My Naya! I became apart of your world through my brother Tahj Mowry. You guys used to hit the pavement auditioning together and booking jobs together. I’ve known your beautiful spirit since the age of 6. You quickly became family,” Tia began a lengthy Instagram caption, including some of her favorite memories with Naya. “Your smile will always be the most beautiful smile. Rest my love. You are now a beautiful angel.”

Paula Abdul

“I didn’t know Naya personally, but I admired her as an artist. I’m so devastated by the news — a true talent lost far too soon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to her family,” Paula wrote.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel retweeted an announcement of Naya’s death with a broken heart emoji.

Kristin Chenoweth

“Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you,” Kristin tweeted along with a photo of Naya and her son, Josey.

Kathy Griffin

“I had the opportunity to work with the one and only Naya Rivera,” Kathy tweeted. “So much talent. Deeply saddened and touched. Please, let her have peace, Lord.”

Josh Gad

“Sick to my stomach. RIP Naya Rivera,” Josh tweeted along with a photo of the Glee cast at Lake Piru.

Gabourey Sidibe

“Naya was sweet, smart, funny and endlessly talented. This is just awful,” Gabourey tweeted.

Damian McGinty

“Just unbelievable. Grateful to have known you and worked with you and your talent. RIP Naya,” Damian, who played Rory Flanagan on Glee, wrote.

Chris Colfer

“How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t. Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness,” Chris, who played  Kurt Hummel on Glee, wrote on Instagram.

“She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor,” he continued. “Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.”

Becky G

“Beautiful Naya Rivera, Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones. You will be missed & never forgotten,” Becky tweeted with a heart emoji.

Brad Ellis

“I’m so sorry to accept that my friend, our friend, is gone,” the Glee pianist wrote via Twitter. “The world’s love can’t stop us from crying today. This song is perhaps my happiest memory of working with Naya. I won’t be accessible on Twitter for a while. I’m sure you all understand. Oh, Naya.”

Dean Geyer

Rivera’s other former costar also mourned the devastating news. “Naya was an extremely talented performer that I got the pleasure of working with,” he tweeted. “The only thing that rivaled her acting abilities was her incredible voice. I am extremely saddened to hear the news about someone who had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives.”

Rose McGowan

The Jawbreaker actress grieved over the star’s untimely passing. “My heart goes out to Naya Rivera’s son, family and friends,” she wrote. “Such a talented performer. Fly free, beautiful one. I’m so sorry you didn’t get to live.”

Viola Davis

“Prayers for Naya Rivera’s family. Man … can we have a ‘Do Over’ of 2020. The loss is too much,” the Fences star vented.

Becca Tobin

The star, who portrayed Kitty Wilde on Glee, was overcome with emotions while reflecting on their bond. “Naya was insanely talented, breathtakingly gorgeous, and one of the wittiest people I’ve ever met, but the legacy she left behind for me is her kindness,” the actress wrote, praising Rivera’s heart of gold. “To my surprise, Naya, one of the most beloved by the rest of the cast (and the entire world), showed me instant warmth and kindness. She invited me to parties and gatherings and was always there to give advice. She was a superstar who had nothing to gain from being kind to the new girl, but she was and that changed this new girl’s entire experience on that show. I will forever be grateful to that beautiful human. My heart goes out to her family and her sweet boy.”

Lili Reinhart

“It feels strange to cry and mourn the loss of someone you never knew,” the Riverdale performer wrote. “But I grew up watching Glee and Naya Rivera was such a beautiful talent. My heart breaks for her son. Hold on tight to your people right now, if you’re lucky enough to be near them.”

Skai Jackson

The Disney Channel star tweeted, “Rip Naya … sleep peacefully in heaven.”

Rachel Zegler

“Naya. Fly high,” the singer and songwriter wrote.

Jenna Ushkowitz

The Glee alum remembered their friendship in her heartfelt message. “You shined on stage and screen and radiated with love behind closed doors. I was lucky enough to share so many laughs, martinis and secrets with you,” she wrote via Instagram. “I can not believe I took for granted that you’d always be here. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow, so I will not look back and regret but know I love you and promise to help the legacy of your talent, humor, light and loyalty live on. You are so loved.”

Demi Lovato

“I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee,” the powerhouse songstress wrote in her tribute. “The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted queer girls (like me at the time) and open queer girls, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world. My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time.”

Darren Criss

“She was bold. She was outrageous,” the Glee alum tweeted. “She was a LOT of fun. Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face.”

Jennifer Hudson

“I can’t even begin to say how heartbroken I am about this,” the singer wrote. “I [was] hoping and praying for otherwise. Sometimes it’s just too much, lord have mercy!”

Kevin McHale

“My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you,” wrote Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams on Glee. “7 years ago today, she and I were together in London when we found out about Cory. We were so far away, but I was so thankful that we had each other. A week ago today, we were talking about running away to Hawaii. This doesn’t make sense. And I know it probably never will.”

In a series of tweets, he paid tribute to his “independent,” “strong” and “quick-witted” friend. “She was the most talented person I’ve ever known, [and] I’m furious we won’t get to see more,” he continued. “I’m thankful for all the ways in which she made me a better person. She taught me how to advocate for myself and to speak up for the things and people that were important to me, always. … I’m thankful she became like family. I’m thankful that my dad happened to have met her years before I did and, when I got Glee, he told me to ‘look out for a girl named Naya because she seemed nice.’ Well, Dad, she was nice and she became one of my favorite people ever.”

He also honored the sacrifice she made in order to ensure she got her son to safety. “The way that she loved her boy, it was truly Naya at her most peaceful,” he said. “I’m thankful he will have a strong family around him to protect him and tell him about his incredible mom. I just hope more than anything that her family is given the space and time to come to terms with this. For having such tiny body, Naya had such a gigantic presence, a void that will now be felt by all of us — those of us who knew her personally and the millions of you who loved her through your TVs. I love you, Bee.”

Kehlani

“The reason ‘Songbird’ by Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite songs ever is because of the Glee soundtrack version. She transformed it. Rest easy, Naya Rivera,” the singer wrote. “God cover and hold her loved ones!”

Aly and AJ

“Praying for Naya Rivera, Kelly Preston and Benjamin Keough’s families right now,” the duo tweeted. “Please take a moment to think of them today.”

Mario Cantone

“Heartbroken today. My friend Naya was found. I waited to say anything b/c you always have hope,” the actor wrote alongside a photo with the star. “She was stunning inside and out and THE most talented one on GLEE. We had good times on THE VIEW and some great NY nights. I will miss her terribly! My to Josey.”

Holly Robinson Peete

“Rest in Heaven, Naya Rivera,” Peete wrote. “Sending so much prayer, love and courage to her family.”

Dwyane Wade

“Rest in Heaven,” the NBA player tweeted.

Ne-Yo

“Goodbye mama, we’ll miss you,” Rivera’s Step Up: High Water costar wrote on his Instagram Story. “And we’ll never forget you.”

Victoria Justice

“RIP beautiful Naya. This is heartbreaking,” the actress wrote. “My deepest condolences to her family.”

Zoe Saldana

“My heart is heavy with the loss of Naya Rivera. She was a mother, daughter, sister, friend and inspiration too many,” the Avatar actress wrote. “My thoughts and prayers go out to her son, family and friends. Rest in peace beautiful.”

Harry Shum

“Dear Naya, I’m failing miserably to process this news,” Rivera’s former Glee costar wrote via Twitter. “I always imagined old future senior moments where we would hear your infectious laughter down the hall knowing that our funnybone was in for a treat. To many people, myself included, you were the life of the party,” he continued his lengthy post. “You deserved more, I’m so sorry, but you deserved more.”

Melissa Benoist

“She has not left my mind this last week. It’s difficult to find words,” Rivera’s other Glee costar began. “There was an undeniable beauty that she radiated inside and out, and I consider myself incredibly lucky that I got to witness that up close even for the short period of time that I did. I was so intimidated by her, yet she had a way of disarming that just made you want to be around her, hear what she had to say (because it would undoubtedly be the sharpest and most real thing you would hear all day). She was kind and open to me when she didn’t have to be, when I was a naive, clueless and insecure newcomer. Bravely authentic, genuinely kind, incredibly talented and deeply loved by so many. Thinking of her family and loved ones. Rest In Peace, Naya.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Naya Rivera,” the congresswoman tweeted. “The talent and depth Naya brought to her characters inspired millions. As a Latina, it’s rare to have rich, complex characters reflect us in media. Naya worked hard to give that gift to so many. Que descanse en paz. [Rest in peace.]”

Sam Greisman

“I spent one night out with Naya Rivera and the way her face lit up talking about her son,” Sally Field‘s son said. “Can’t stop thinking about it. F–k this f–king year.”

Adam Lambert

“RIP Naya,” the American Idol alum wrote alongside a photo with Naya on the set of Glee.

Matthew Morrison

The actor praised Rivera for being a “force” in her personal life and career. “While so many of us were trying to find our voice, Naya’s was clear and resolute,” he began. “When she spoke, you would embrace every last word. And when she sang, she would let you into her soul. Glee acted as only a snippet of her life that we all, thankfully, had the honor of witnessing. But Naya would shine brightest when surrounded by her wonderful family. A common passion we both shared recently was that of our roles as parents. Naya was fervent about motherhood and had a steadfast love for Josey. It is that powerful love that ensures us that her story does not end here. I’m confident that her positive influence will be continuously felt, and that her beautiful spirit will carry on in the lives of so many. I’m devastated by this immense loss.  This week has been long and trying with much praying and hope. I find some solace in closure, but the pain I feel for her and her family cannot be measured. Rest in peace, keep shining down on us with your bright light.”

Gwyneth Paltrow

The actress shared a video of herself performing alongside Rivera and Heather Morris with a touching message. “Remembering beautiful @nayarivera today,” she captioned the clip. “Getting to sing in this trio with her was such a special moment. I am in utter shock and disbelief that someone so full of life and passion and talent is no longer with us. And completely heartbroken for her family.”

Chord Overstreet

The star, known for his role as Sam Evans on Glee, shared a sentimental statement of his own. “The world is at such a loss and I am truly heartbroken,” he wrote. “I still remember the day I met you. You walked straight up to me, grabbed me by the face and drug me around until I met every single person on set, introducing me as ‘new booty.’ You were one of the first people who made me feel like family when others saw me as an outsider. I didn’t know then that you would become my family and that’s just who you were to everyone. A mother, sister, daughter and most of all a friend. Your massive heart and bright spark is what carried our entire show, when at times we all felt like giving up,” the actor continued. “There is no one like you and there never will be. You have changed peoples lives all around the world and you continue to change mine forever. I will never forget your love and kindness. Thank you for sharing your spirit angel.”

Khloé Kardashian

“Such a devastating and tragic passing. I am so sorry/heartbroken for Nayas friends and family,” the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star wrote on Twitter. “I will continue to pray for healing and strength during this horrific time. 2020 has been too heavy.”

Sofia Richie

“Heartbreaking,” Sofia wrote via Instagram Stories. “Praying for her family.”