Glee alum Amber Riley to perform tribute to late co-star Naya Rivera on Jimmy Kimmel Live… a month after the star’s tragic drowning at 33
Former Glee star Amber Riley is set to perform a tribute to her late co-star Naya Rivera, who passed away last month at the age of 33.
The actress, who played Mercedes Jones on the hit musical comedy-drama series, took to Instagram and shared a photo and information promoting Thursday’s performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
‘Catch RILEY tribute performance to Naya Rivera on Jimmy Kimmel Live! August 27th,’ the image read.
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Emotional tribute: Amber Riley announced she will perform a tribute to her late Glee co-star Naya Rivera on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday, August 27
Riley’s post also asked fans and followers to ‘stay tuned’ for a ‘special announcement’ that will be revealed on the late-night talk show, but didn’t give any details as to what that might be.
Rivera, who played Santana Lopez for all six seasons of Glee, tragically drowned while swimming with her four-year-old son Josey at Lake Piru, which is near Santa Clarita, California.
Josey was found alone in a small boat the actress had rented on July 8.
Her body was found at the lake on the morning of July 13, following a five-day search.
RIP: Riley, 34, has shared a number of heartfelt tributes to Rivera on social media since her death; the Glee co-stars are pictured
Tragic: Rivera, who played Santana Lopez for all six seasons of Glee, drowned while swimming with her four-year-old son Josey at Lake Piru near Santa Clarita, California
Riley, 34, shared a heartfelt tribute to Rivera on social media the day her body was discovered.
‘My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you,’ she wrote in the caption of a video of Rivera and her son snuggled up together in bed singing the popular preschool sing-along song Skidamarink.
‘I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything.’
Treasured memories: Riley has also since shared several photos of herself and Rivera singing together during their days on Glee
Riley has also since shared several photos of herself and Rivera singing together during their days on Glee.
‘Miss you baby girl and I love you #NayaRivera I’m so mad the world will never see how high you could have soared,’ she wrote with obvious emotion.
‘Her brain was brilliant. She was smart and as quick as a whip. Always had me in stitches, we would be in tears laughing so hard at one another.’
The Los Angeles native added, ‘There was never competition, or shade, or intimidation with us. Just pure adoration and mutual respect. You deserved better. You were so much more than just this show. Your talent outshined us all so many times!’
Co-stars and friends: Both Riley and Rivera starred on Glee for all six seasons of the hit musical comedy-drama series (2009-2015)