Ryan Dorsey Honors Ex Naya Rivera On Posthumous 36th Birthday: 'Fly High'

Always and forever! Naya Rivera continues to hold a special place in our hearts.

The late actress found fame starring in the critically-acclaimed drama series, "Glee." Thanks to the popular musical show and her numerous celebrated works, the entertainer's name continues to echo throughout the halls of greatness.

However, the California native was loved for more than her achievements. Take it from her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, who paid tribute to the deceased actress on what would have been her 36th birthday.

On January 12, the "Justified" star reminded the world of his ex-wife through a beautifully penned Instagram post. This day would have marked Rivera's 36th trip around the sun if death had not arrived three years ago.

The Virginia native's social media update included three pictures of the California native and the former couple's adorable angel, a son named Josey. In the first and second slides, the late entertainer rocked a mini coat dress designed with yellow and navy blue patterns.

Both pictures captured the "And the Winner Isn't" star beaming brightly at her son, whose head barely grazed the top of his mother's famously long legs. The young boy donned casual clothes consisting of a gray hoodie with matching trousers, looking radiant as he posed with a Woody toy from the "Toy Story" franchise.

The final slide showed the mother and son sporting matching all-black attires as they enjoyed a relaxing day at home. Dorsey captioned these heartfelt snaps with a poignant message about overcoming grief. The 39-year-old wrote:

"A little easier with each little bit of time that passes by to look at pictures…but I still don't have the answers to the questions to the why's our sweet boy asks from time to time. I never will."

The Virginia native, who was married to Rivera from 2014 to 2018, confessed that he and Josey were "doing the best" they could to navigate life without the family's beloved matriarch. Given the lessons he had learned along the way, the father-of-one concluded his sweet-sour note with the inspirational words:

"If you're reading this, no matter what you're going through, take a moment of gratitude that you're still here on this ride. I know some days are harder than others to get up, but keep we just gotta keep pushing onward."

Despite his apparent pain, Dorsey chose to push forward with positive energy and took the time to encourage others in similar situations to heal. Naturally, his heartwarming message touched many people who showed appreciation and concern in the comments.

The majority sent their love and well-wishes to the family while others sobbed about how much they missed the "Step Up: High Water" actress. Additionally, fellow celebrities showed their support with thoughtful comments. Top on the list was the renowned makeup artist Jo Baker and hairstylist Clyde Haygood.

Baker noted that she and Haygood had reminisced about Rivera a day before Dorsey's emotional post. The celebrated makeup artist wrote: "This is the last time I saw them both together. Clyde and I spoke of this day yesterday. Always in our hearts."

Haygood echoed similar sentiments in his comment, noting he would never forget the day in question. On the other hand, the actors: Jeremy Luke, Jay Hector, and Raoul Trujillo sent their love to the father and son.

Rivera died in 2020 after drowning in Lake Piru. She was with her son Josey when the tragic incident happened. Following her passing, the ALMA Award winner's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties they deemed responsible.

As previously shared by The Blast, the list included Ventura County, the United Water Conservation District, and Parks and Recreation Management. These establishments were accused of failing to warn visitors about the dangers of the lake and not providing adequate safety measures. 

In their defense, the county revealed that Rivera had refused to wear a life jacket. However, they eventually settled with the deceased's family by offering monetary compensation in 2022. According to the statement issued by Amjad M. Khan, the actress's relatives were "very pleased" with the outcome.

"Through this settlement, Josey will receive just compensation for having to endure the drowning of his beloved mother at Lake Piru," the attorney's statement read. Khan also implied that the money would be used to improve the young boy's life.