‘I cherish every moment we had’ – Heather Morris’ heartbreaking tribute to Glee’s Naya Rivera
The 'Glee' star has been reflecting on her close friendship with her former onscreen girlfriend.
By Will Stroude
Glee star Heather Morris has paid tribute to her friend and former co-star Naya Rivera following the actress’ tragic death earlier this month.
Morris, who played Rivera’s onscreen girlfriend and later wife, Brittany Pierce, over six seasons of the hit musical dramedy, shared memories of the pair’s incredible off-screen bond on Instagram over the weekend.
The actress was among the Glee stars who joined Rivera’s relatives at the California lake where she disappeared during a boating trip with her four year-old son earlier this month.
Police confirmed the discovery of Rivera’s body last Monday (13 July) following a six-day search.
Having previously shared an image stating she was “taking a moment to honour [her] grief” before commenting publicly on Rivera’s death, Morris shared a heartbreaking tribute to the late star on Instagram as she posted a series of images of the actress’ children playing together.
“We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase,” Morris recalled.
“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.”
Morris continued: “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.”
Morris later shared a picture of herself and Rivera laughing together, writing: “The messages are going to trickle out. But you’re still here with me. And I’m not done remembering your legacy.
“You would tell me ‘you look so skinny’ EVERY TIME you saw me and it made me giggle slash I loved it and when I told you how it made me feel…you said ‘well I’d always like to hear that I look skinny so I make sure to make others feel good like that’.
“We had a play date in the works for this week and I can’t wait for it to be over so I can stop thinking about how I missed our chance to be together. I fucking loved how you drank martini’s and no one would know you smoked cuz you were a mastermind at hiding it.
“I’m doing something everyday to honor your strength and it helps me to feel close to you. I love you Nay.”