Cory Monteith: 'Glee' Co-Stars Remember Him In Touching Tributes

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As Cory’s ‘Glee’ co-stars struggle to come to terms with his tragic death, some of them are starting to open up about his passing. Read on to find out how Naya Rivera, Chord Overstreet, Jane Lynch and more are paying tribute to Cory.

In the aftermath of Cory Monteith‘s untimely death, his Glee co-stars are coming forward to share their own personal stories and thoughts about him. Read on to find out how castmates Naya Rivera, Chord Overstreet, Matthew Morrison and more are honoring Cory’s memory.

Cory Monteith: ‘Glee’ Co-Stars Pay Tribute After Death — Naya Rivera & More

Naya, 26, who plays Santana on Glee, says the entire Glee family is deeply saddened by Cory’s death.

“Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend,” she said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed. My heart goes out to Cory’s family and Lea and while we are grateful for everyone’s well wishes, privacy during this time of grief is greatly appreciated.”

Mike O’Malley, 46, who plays Cory’s character’s stepdad, Burt Hummel, on the series, shared some personal memories of Cory with People magazine.

“Cory Monteith was a great guy; Funny, deep, thoughtful, and hardworking,” he said. “In real life, he was the coolest dude, generous, and a great friend to his pals.”

He added, “If an ability to show others kindness and fostering fellowship are two qualities that all humans should strive for, Cory mastered them long before he died. He deserved a long life. His death has rocked all of us at Glee.”

Amber Riley said on July 18: “Yesterday I got to sit with my Glee family and remember a man I considered a brother and friend. With a very heavy heart, RIP Cory Monteith 💜 Continued prayer for his family and Lea. Sendings hugs to all you gleeks.”

Dianna Agron, who played Quinn Fabray, Finn’s first girlfriend, said:

I have never lost a friend. In this difficult time, I am leaning on all of the wonderful memories we shared with Cory, how many ways he was able to make us smile. Glee was a gift to all of us. It gave us a family in this industry. We really cut our teeth and grew up on this show. In playing underdogs, we learned that we had dug into the hearts of our viewers and that we could stay there.

Cory is so deserving of that place in everyone’s hearts. He was one of the most generous and kind people that I have ever met. He had a smart, curious mind, he was an enormous talent. He was loving to not only me, but my family. My heart goes out to his family, to Lea, to everyone that is struggling with the loss of our friend. We will miss you Cory. We will always carry a piece of you with us.

Dot Marie Jones, better known as Coach Beiste, said “I loved him and I still do. That will never go away. I don’t have [one] fond memory because every memory is fantastic.” Speaking about his problems, she said “I honestly didn’t know. This year I worked a lot with Cory one-on-one, and Cory was present…[His death is a loss] for everyone involved.”

We told you Cory’s co-star and girlfriend, Lea Michele, is beside herself with grief, and has hardly eaten anything since learning the news. She has asked for privacy during this difficult time.

Cory Monteith Death — Chord Overstreet Hits A Home Run For Cory

Chord, 24, who plays Sam Evans, was also devastated by the death of his onscreen football teammate and fellow Gleek. Chord dedicated the home run he hit at a celebrity softball game July 14 to Cory.

It’s so touching that he paid tribute to Cory in front of all those fans.

Meanwhile, Jane Lynch, 53, who plays Sue Sylvester, seemed somber as she was spotted walking her dog in New York City on July 14. Jane, who recently filed for divorce from her spouse of three years, learned of Monteith’s death just minutes after coming off stage following the annual Broadway Barks! fundraiser in New York.

It must be so hard for Jane to process Cory’s death right now.

Cory Monteith’s ‘Glee’ Co-Stars Pay Tribute In Song

We told you the leader of the Gleeks, Matthew, dedicated the song “What I Did For Love” to Cory in a July 14 concert in New York City.

Now Glee Warblers Curt Mega and Riker Lynch are chiming in. The duo released a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” as a tribute to Cory.

What a beautiful way to remember him! Our thoughts are with all of Cory’s castmates, friends and family during this difficult time.