Morris, who portrayed Brittany S. Pierce, the love interest of Rivera's Santana Lopez on the Fox musical comedy series, took to social media Wednesday to detail her close friendship with the late actress, as she shared photos of Rivera's son with her children.
Glee star Heather Morris wrote an emotional tribute to her co-star and friend Naya Rivera, who was declared dead at the age of 33 Monday after a body was recovered at the lake where she went missing at last Wednesday while boating with her 4-year-old son.
Morris, who portrayed Brittany S. Pierce, the love interest of Rivera’s Santana Lopez on the Fox musical comedy series, took to Instagram Wednesday to detail her close friendship with the late actress, as she shared photos of Rivera’s son with her children.
“We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding,” Morris wrote. “The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them everyday and think of you.”
Morris went on to say that she continues to listen to Rivera’s EP “on repeat” and she “always wished the world knew more” of Rivera’s voice. She continued to share how the two consistently kept in touch, whether it be Rivera sending over videos on SnapChat or sharing recipes. “You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them. You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food,” she said.
“We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life.”
Morris explained that Rivera taught her “lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful ).” “Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted,” Morris wrote.
“We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing, because we shared that kind of pride and joy. So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goof balls for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I.”
Morris then ended her tribute saying she’ll forever cherish her moments with Rivera. “I speak to you everyday because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.”
This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.
