‘Glee’ season 5: Jenna Ushkowitz the latest to tribute Cory Monteith

Over a week has now passed since the tragic news on Cory Monteith first broke, and for many “Glee” stars, the past week has been one for deep though and introspection. It has been a rough year for the television family, and much like with the passing of James Gandolfini, Cory’s death is not one that anyone saw coming or could prepare for.

Today, Jenna Ushkowitz became the second member of the original New Directions, who has been prominently featured since the days of the pilot, to say something publicly about what Cory meant to her. Attached to a touching photo of the entire cast from those early days on the show on her Instagram page, she had the following message for everyone:

“I am so grateful that Glee brought this group of extraordinary individuals together to form a family. I was lucky enough to closely experience the love and light that Cory shared with the world, as well as having the privilege of traveling down the road together on a once in a lifetime journey. Cory always reminded me to be gracious, kind and open, and he will leave a mark in my heart forever. Thank you everyone for your constant support and love while we mourn the loss of our dear friend, and continued support to Cory’s family, and to Lea.”

We have still not heard anything publicly from Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, and of course Cory’s real-life girlfriend Lea Michele, and Amber Riley previously wrote a tribute to Cory about their many years together on the show. Production will start up next month after a delay, and premiere on Fox September 26.

In case you missed the news over the weekend, Ryan Murphy gave a multitude of interviews and confirmed that the decision to bring production back at this time was largely Lea’s decision, that way the cast and crew will be able to grieve together.

Photo: Fox