Lea Michele Honors Glee Star Cory Monteith 10 Years After His Death

A decade has passed since the death of Cory Monteith shocked Glee TV show cast and fans. But for Lea Michele, who played his on-screen girlfriend amid her own real life romance with Cory, the actor’s passing still hurts. And each year, Lea pays tribute to her former boyfriend and Glee co-star.

Find out what Michele wrote this year to honor Monteith. And learn what to know about his tragic death at age 31. Get all the details below.

Lea Michele Honors Cory Monteith After Death

Glee fans adored Cory Monteith, who became the heart of the show as Finn Hudson. And viewers also became fascinated by Finn’s romance with his on-screen girlfriend Rachel Berry. Played by Lea Michele, Rachel’s love for Finn paralleled Lea’s real life romance with Cory. But 10 years ago, it all ended when Monteith died at age 31, noted Yahoo.

Since her Glee acting days, Lea became married and welcomed a baby into the world. But each year, she pays tribute to Cory. And this year, Michelle followed that tradition on Instagram. “I hold all of our memories in my heart where they will stay safe and never forgotten. We miss you every day,” she added. “And will never forget the light you to brought to us all.” Beyond her yearly tribute, Lea has authored songs about her former boyfriend and Glee co-star. And her tattoo tributes include his character’s jersey number.

But Michelle has sought to focus on her positive memories. For instance, Lea once shared, “I only have happy memories of Cory. He was not his addiction — unfortunately, it won. But that wasn’t who he was. Cory made me feel like a queen every day. From the minute he said, ‘I’m your boyfriend,’ I loved every day,” she shared. “And I thank him for being the best boyfriend and making me feel so beautiful.”

Lea Michele honors Cory Monteith on the 10th anniversary of his death:

“Hey you. 10 years. It feels like only yesterday that you were here and yet a million years ago all at the same time. I hold all of our memories in my heart where they will stay safe and never forgotten. We… pic.twitter.com/zQAJXfnxxZ

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 13, 2023

Cory Monteith Battled Drug Addiction

But just months before his death, Glee producer Ryan Murphy led an intervention to try to save Cory from his drug addiction. And Monteith did go to rehab for substance abuse. However, he died alone in a hotel room from what the coroner’s report described as “a mixed drug toxicity.” And a report revealed that his system showed use of heroin, alcohol, morphine, and codeine.

But Cory’s mother, Ann McGregor, revealed that Cory “didn’t have enough drugs in his system to kill him. But for some reason it did because of his intolerance.” And in the wake of Monteith’s death, Murphy and Michelle held a private memorial. They also delayed returning to filming.

An emotional episode called “The Quarterback” honored Cory’s character. But looking back, Murphy feels they filmed the tribute episode “way too soon” when everyone involved felt “too raw.” And while Glee continued, he shared, “Our hearts all kind of broke. The spirit and joy of it has left the building.” 

Tell us what you think. How do you feel about Lea Michele honoring Cory Monteith each year on the anniversary of his death? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.

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