In a recent interview, Ryan Dorsey, the ex-husband of the late “Glee” star Naya Rivera, opened up about the profound grief he and their son, Josey, have experienced since Rivera’s tragic drowning in July 2020. Rivera disappeared during a boating trip with then 4-year-old Josey at Lake Piru in California. Her body was recovered five days later, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and an irreplaceable void in her family’s life.
Dorsey recounted the harrowing moments following Rivera’s disappearance. He described the anguish of learning she was missing and the subsequent days of uncertainty. “I probably lost a little over 20 pounds. I don’t get good sleep. I’m sad every day,” he shared, highlighting the profound impact on his well-being.
Josey, now 9, holds vivid memories of that fateful day. Dorsey revealed that Josey attempted to assist his mother by throwing her a rope but was deterred by a spider on it. This incident has left Josey grappling with feelings of guilt, despite Dorsey’s reassurances that he couldn’t have changed the outcome. “He tried to save her,” Dorsey said, emphasizing the innocence and bravery of his young son.
The journey of healing has been arduous for both father and son. Dorsey often finds himself at a loss for words when Josey expresses his longing for his mother. “It’s hard for me when Josey will say certain things and if he misses his mom… or he’ll bring up certain moments that obviously he’ll never forget from the worst day of his life,” Dorsey shared. In these moments, he offers comfort through hugs and affirmations of love, acknowledging the depth of their shared pain.
To provide Josey with a nurturing environment, Dorsey has leaned on family support. Rivera’s younger sister, Nickayla, temporarily moved in with them to assist in Josey’s upbringing. This decision, though met with public scrutiny, was made with Josey’s best interests at heart. Dorsey addressed the criticism, stating, “You’re going to need all the help you can get as a single parent trying to build your career and navigate this disaster with your child.”
The family has since relocated to West Virginia, seeking solace away from the public eye. There, they have created a space filled with memories of Rivera. Photos of her adorn their home, and Rivera’s presence is a daily part of their conversations. “They talk about Naya every day. They say good night to her in the evening. They are keeping all the memories of her alive,” a source close to the family revealed.
Dorsey has also taken steps to secure Josey’s future. He filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ventura County, alleging negligence in Rivera’s death. The lawsuit was settled in 2022, providing compensation for Josey’s future needs.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Dorsey is committed to honoring Rivera’s legacy by raising Josey in a loving and supportive environment. He ensures that Rivera’s memory remains a positive and integral part of their lives. “He’s never going to forget his mom,” Dorsey affirmed, noting that Josey has expressed interest in watching his mother’s work someday.
The bond between father and son has deepened through shared memories and open conversations about Rivera. They have created a book of memories to honor her, ensuring that Josey grows up with a strong connection to his mother’s legacy. Dorsey reflects on the challenges of single parenthood, especially in the face of such a profound loss, but remains steadfast in his dedication to his son. “I just give him a hug… because it’s all I can do because I don’t really have any answers,” he shared, encapsulating the ongoing journey of healing they both navigate daily.
As they continue to move forward, Dorsey and Josey find strength in their memories of Rivera, ensuring that her spirit remains a guiding light in their lives. Through their resilience and love, they honor her legacy, keeping her memory alive in their hearts.