Ryan Dorsey Honors Naya Rivera on Her 38th Birthday

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Nearly five years after the tragic drowning death of actress Naya Rivera, her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey shared a heartfelt tribute to her on what would have been her 38th birthday. Dorsey, 41, posted a poignant message on Instagram, reflecting on their shared memories and their 9-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey.

“Happy Heavenly Birthday,” Dorsey wrote on Jan. 12, alongside a photo of the couple at a party in 2016. “Thoughts every day about how it went wrong. The memories attached to places, still see all the things, see all our faces.” The actor, known for roles in “Yellowstone” and “Justified,” expressed his ongoing grief and love for Rivera, who died in July 2020 while boating with their son at California‘s Lake Piru.

Dorsey’s tribute included a poem that captured the bittersweet nature of their relationship. “Visions of happiness and sadness, 15 years flash by when I hear a certain song,” he wrote. “I shake my head often still in disbelief. They say time heals all, but all is not grief.” He also emphasized his commitment to raising their son, whom he affectionately called “JoJo Binx.”

Rivera, best known for her role as Santana Lopez on the hit TV show “Glee,” was 33 when she died. Her body was found five days after she went missing during a boating trip with Josey, who was found unharmed on the boat. Investigators determined that Rivera had saved her son by helping him back onto the boat before she drowned.

Despite their divorce in 2018, Dorsey and Rivera remained dedicated to co-parenting their son. In his tribute, Dorsey wrote, “Doing the best I can for our JoJo Binx. As the time goes by, I’m often alone and sit and think. I think more of our better times, like this picture from the past, but it still f—— stings.”

Rivera’s “Glee” co-star Heather Morris also paid tribute to her late friend, marking the fourth anniversary of her death in July 2024. “We grew up together, fell apart, and came back together in such a beautiful way,” Morris wrote on Instagram. “God, you’re missed so much…except I can’t shake the feeling you never left…you’re still here with us…guiding us to our highest potential.”

Dorsey has consistently honored Rivera’s memory since her passing, often sharing personal reflections on their time together and her enduring impact on their son. In a 2022 statement to PEOPLE, he described Josey’s resemblance to his mother, noting his “unique literal laugh-out-LOUD cackle” and generous spirit. “At least once a day I find myself shaking my head, like it’s still unbelievable, so surreal that she’s gone,” Dorsey said.

Rivera’s legacy continues to resonate with fans and loved ones alike, as they remember her talent, kindness, and the joy she brought to their lives.