#TJBRemembers: Naya Rivera On The 5th Anniversary Of Her Passing

#TJBRemembers: Naya Rivera On The 5th Anniversary Of Her Passing

Today marks five years since the tragic passing of actress and singer Naya Rivera, and fans continue to honor her legacy with love and heartfelt messages across social media.

Best known for her iconic role as Santana Lopez on Glee, Naya broke barriers as one of the first Latina LGBTQ+ characters on primetime TV. She was also a gifted performer and a fiercely loving mother to her son, Josey, whom she saved in her final moments. Naya passed away on July 8, 2020, at just 33 years old, from a drowning accident at Lake Piru while boating with then-4-year-old Josey.
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Her ex-husband and Josey’s father, Ryan Dorsey, recently opened up about that heartbreaking time, sharing:

“I remember laying there with [Josey] in a state of shock… He told me, ‘They can’t find Mommy. I hope they find her, but I think she might be dead.’ I was devastated for him, for me, for everyone.”

 

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Now 9 years old, Josey is honoring his mom’s memory by exploring music and performing in local plays, even reportedly telling Ryan, “My mom is a singer, so why not me?”
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Dorsey continues to keep Naya’s memory alive for their son, arranging regular calls with her family and keeping her traditions.

“Josey is going to be her legacy,” Ryan said. “I don’t know what he’s going to do, but I think he’s going to do great things.”

As fans flood Naya’s old posts with tributes and sweet memories, one thing is clear: her light, talent, and love will never be forgotten.

Leave your favorite Naya moment or quote in the comments below.