Big Sean Remembers Ex-Fiancée Naya Rivera's Legacy in Emotional Tribute: “You Are a Hero!”

Big Sean is remembering the life and legacy of ex-fiancée Naya Rivera. On Friday, the rapper penned a heartfelt tribute to the Glee star, who died by accidental drowning in California’s Lake Piru. “Rest In Peace Naya, God Bless your Soul!” Big Sean captioned a gallery of snaps featuring Naya and her 4-year-old son, Josey (whom she shared with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey). “Thank you for blessing us all with your talent and presence. You are a hero! Not just because of how you saved your son, also because of the barriers you knocked down for so many people to make them feel confident in themselves and to stand tall and be proud when they couldn’t achieve that on their own.”

The rapper then reflected on Naya’s personal impact on him and admitted that he’s still coming to terms with her passing. “I appreciate and cherish everything that ever happened between us for making me wiser and a better person,” he said. “I’m still grieving and in shock, I can’t believe this is real. I’m praying for you and your family and I know your watching over them and protecting them. Rest In Peace Naya.” Big Sean and Naya started dating in April 2013 and got engaged that October. However, they called off their wedding the following year.

Big Sean’s eulogy came six days after the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office recovered the 33-year-old actress’s body from Lake Piru. Naya’s family and her costars have continued to post heart-rending tributes since her death was confirmed. Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan shared plans to start a college fund for Josey. “Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom, Yolanda, who was a big part of the Glee family and her son Josey,” they said in a statement. “The three of us are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”