Naya Rivera’s Ex Ryan Dorsey Shares Heartwarming Moment with Son Josey Watching Glee Concert Movie
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Naya-Rivera-Ryan-Dorsey-021125-52c52e63655a491789a634b8d25329f4.jpg)
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ryan Dorsey opened up about a touching moment shared with his 9-year-old son Josey, where the young boy watched his late mother, Naya Rivera, in the 2011 film Glee: The 3D Concert Movie. Reflecting on the experience, Dorsey revealed, “He sat there and he watched the whole movie, and you could see his eyes welling up a little bit. But he’s a strong boy, and he has a lot of content and episodes. His mom will live forever. I think that’s a silver lining of this terrible situation.”


Since Rivera’s tragic passing in July 2020 at the age of 33, Dorsey has struggled to watch her on television. The actor admitted that while looking at pictures of Rivera is difficult, watching her perform is even harder for him. The emotional toll of reminiscing about their time together and the life they could have had weighs heavily on Dorsey.
Despite the pain, Dorsey finds solace in the memories and keepsakes he shares with Josey. The bond between father and son becomes evident as Dorsey navigates conversations with Josey about grief and loss. Dorsey mentioned creating a memory book for Josey, which has become a source of comfort and reflection for the young boy.
As Josey grows older, Dorsey plans to introduce him to more of Rivera’s work to honour her legacy. Additionally, Dorsey expressed his commitment to celebrating Josey’s milestones with elaborate birthday parties, reminiscent of the ones Rivera used to throw for their son. Looking ahead to Josey’s upcoming 10th birthday, Dorsey aims to make it a special occasion that Rivera would be proud of.
While Dorsey now resides in West Virginia with Josey, he maintains a close relationship with Rivera’s family in Los Angeles, often travelling back to visit them. Balancing fatherhood and a career, Dorsey continues to preserve Rivera’s memory for Josey, ensuring that their son remains connected to both sides of his family.
As Dorsey navigates the complexities of grief and single parenthood, he remains optimistic about the future. He recently shared that he is dating someone new, indicating a hopeful outlook on the road ahead. Dorsey’s dedication to preserving Rivera’s legacy and providing a loving environment for Josey showcases his unwavering commitment to their family’s well-being.
In conclusion, Ryan Dorsey’s heartfelt recollections of his time with son Josey watching Naya Rivera’s performances serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of love and memories in the face of loss. Their journey, marked by both sorrow and resilience, highlights the strength found in cherishing the past while embracing the future with hope and love.
