Ryan Dorsey has shared an update on life six years after the death of Glee actor Naya Rivera.
Rivera died in July 2020 after disappearing while out on Lake Piru in California with her young son, Josey.
At the time, Josey was just four years old. He was discovered alone on the rental pontoon boat, while Rivera could not be found.
Her body was recovered from the lake several days later. The Ventura County Medical Examiner later ruled that the 33-year-old film and television star died from accidental drowning.
Josey is now 10 years old, and Dorsey has continued sharing glimpses of how he is helping his son remember Rivera while also focusing on everyday childhood milestones and routines.
Now, six years on from the tragedy, Dorsey has spoken about how he and Josey continue to navigate the loss and remember Rivera in their daily lives.
In an interview with Page Six, Dorsey explained that he has been encouraging Josey to continue with music lessons.
He also spoke about a special space in their yard that helps keep Rivera’s memory present for the family — a “Mommy Garden” created in her honor.
“There’s roses and flowers and all these things that come back every year,” Dorsey told the outlet.
“And [Josey] waters it when it needs to be watered and kind of takes care of that. It kind of looks like a wishing well. So we put that up for her.”
Dorsey said his son often shows small mannerisms that bring Rivera to mind.
“He does certain things — little laughs and voices that I don’t even know that he knows that she used to do — well, I tell him — that remind me of silly things that she used to do and say,” said Dorsey.
He added: “For all he’s been through, he’s a super happy, charming, busy, smart kid.”
He acknowledged that the first week of July remains especially painful each year for the family.
Dorsey also said he feels Rivera is still watching over Josey.
“He’s been taking piano lessons for a little over a year now, and he’s getting pretty good. It’s the one thing I connected with his mom,” he told the outlet.
“I said, ‘Your mom — she’s always listening. … You don’t understand now, but one day when you’re an adult or maybe even a teenager, you’re going to thank me. You’re never going to quit as long as you’re living with me’.”
Dorsey added that “it’s just so awesome to hear him progress”.