Naya Rivera’s sister Nickayla is helping take care of her 5-year-old son, Josey, with the late Glee star’s ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey.
Dorsey and Rivera moved into a three-bedroom rental in the San Fernando Valley together, immediately sparking romance rumors. ET has confirmed that they are not involved romantically and are solely focused on providing stability and consistency for Josey.
“In the darkest times of my life, the only thing that is important is my friends and family,” the 25-year-old wrote on her Instagram Stories. “Showing up for my nephew, even though I can’t show up for myself. I’m not concerned with the way things look because no one can see each agonizing moment we all endure.”
“What matters most I’ve learned, is to show compassion, not to judge others, and never take a moment of life for granted,” she continued. “I hope you all can do the same.”
A source tells ET that Nickayla stepped in to help Ryan care for Josey to provide some normalcy, as she has played an active role in his life and often helped Naya care for him.
"Since the devastating loss of Naya, Ryan’s role in parenting has of course been amped up,” the source says. “He’s the primary caregiver, but has been relying very heavily on Nickayla. He would not be able to do this without her help and involvement.”
“They simply share the same goal — to give Josey the best childhood possible and to raise him the best they can without Naya," the source says. "They’ve also found comfort in one another because they understand what each other is dealing with and they know how exhausting it can be to be grieving in the public eye while trying to keep it together for Josey.”
Rivera tragically died in July from drowning while swimming with Josey in Lake Piru. Josey was found safe on the boat.