Amber Riley's touching tribute to Naya Rivera on 'Kimmel' has viewers in tears
Amber Riley closed out Thursday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a touching tribute to her late former Glee co-star Naya Rivera.
Kicking off Riley's performance, actor Lil Rel Howery, who guest-hosted the episode, stated, "But on a sad note, not too long ago, we both lost a really amazing friend in a tragic accident and we both will miss her forever and I really want to thank this show for letting us do this, and she's here to perform a tribute to our good friend Naya Rivera."
.@MsAmberPRiley’s beautiful tribute to Naya Rivera... ❤️ @LilRel4 pic.twitter.com/u1eDpwdJPI
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) August 28, 2020
Rivera, who died in July at age 33 after drowning in a Southern California lake during a boating trip with her son, starred alongside Riley on the hit musical television series Glee.
Following Rivera's death, Riley posted on Instagram, writing: "My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything."
A post shared by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on
On Thursday, Riley's moving performance of "A Moment" didn't go unnoticed. Viewers took to Twitter praising Riley and even had some in tears:
AMBER RILEY gracefully performed a beautiful tribute to our late naya rivera. felt like i cried a million times. we miss you so much. thank you thank you amber for blessing us with your angelic voice ✨✨ pic.twitter.com/TxrIXnYLME
— lynn ミ☆ (@plspressme) August 28, 2020
it was beautiful. Right when the first picture appeared I couldn’t contain myself. @MsAmberPRiley your voice gave me chills and peace. Your courage is greatly admired. Naya would be so proud. For you they’ll be no more crying. Just love ❤️, I love you. #RILEYonKimmel pic.twitter.com/I2R3lPZ7W8
— ミ☆ 🏃🏻♀️ (@miche11_) August 28, 2020
When she turned and faced the picture of naya I lost it, the tears flew. Rip beautiful angel.
— Alexis 🍂 folklore (@TallestTiptoe) August 28, 2020
after watching @MsAmberPRiley i know naya is looking down saying “you better sing girl” pic.twitter.com/gAOLkpOIsP
— Sariah🏳️🌈ミ☆ (@raihbug) August 28, 2020
I haven’t stopped crying since watching Amber Riley perform her tribute for Naya Rivera. I knew it would break me, I just didn’t realize how much.
— slimxoshadytilweoverdose (@BadXMeetsOEvil) August 28, 2020
And following her performance, Riley herself took to Twitter to express her own emotions.
I didn’t make it 15 seconds before I was a puddle. I love you Naya. RIP Angel 💜💕
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) August 28, 2020
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on ABC.
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