‘Glee’ Stars Release Naya Rivera’s Song to Benefit Families in Need

Beloved Afro-Latina actress and singer Naya Rivera is being remembered with the release of a song the late star recorded in 2012 benefitting a charity she supported. “Prayer for the Broken” now includes background vocals by her Glee co-stars Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Amber Riley, Heather Morris, Vanessa Lengies and Ashley Fink. Rivera starred in the series from 2009-2015 and made history portraying Santana Lopez, the first Afro-Latina queer character on network television. The song is being released as part of non-profit Alexandria House’s annual Snixxmas fundraiser that’s honoring Rivera, who was a supporter of charity that provides support and safe housing for women and children.

“We hope that Prayer For The Broken brings you the same comfort it has brought us over the years—a poignant reminder of Naya’s otherworldly talent and a heartfelt gift, allowing us to hear her once more through this inspiring message,” the state on their website. According to the organization, over the past three years her fans have collectively raised almost $250,000 for Alexandria House inspired by Rivera’s support.

McHale posted about the song on Instagram writing, “This year, let’s celebrate the gifts Naya gave to us, her talent and her heart. This song has meant so much to me over the years and now I hope it will for all of you.”

She was 33 years old when she died after drowning on July 8, 2020, in Lake Piru in Ventura County while boating with her then 4-year-old son Josey Hollis Dorsey. Her son was found alone in the boat and her body was found five days later. In the months following her death, her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ventura County, claiming her death was preventable because the boat she was on did not have proper safety equipment. The case was settled with the funds set aside for her son.

“We wanted to do something to honor her, put out something positive from such a horrible, horrible event,” McHale told E! News. “It’s just a really special song now that we’ll have and more importantly, the fans will have, to be able to hear her voice again,” Ushkowitz added.

Proceeds from the song, available to stream and purchase, will benefit Alexandria House.