We were all shocked at the news that Glee star Cory Monteith had passed away at the tender age of 31, but none more so than his on-screen and off-screen lover Lea Michele. Since the news of his passing broke, Michele has placed herself into a state of silent mourning, finally making her first public acknowledgement of the tragic event in a Tweet thanking her fans for their continued support.

Lea Michelle Cory Monteith
Lea and Cory were engaged to be married

In her Twitter update, the actress, who plays Rachel Berry in the show opposite Monteith's Finn Hudson, wrote; "thank you all for helping me through this time with your enormous love and support," adding that Cory will "forever be" in her heart. The actress also attached a picture of the two from a day at the beach, which sees the two huddled up together by the side of the sea.

Monteith passed away in a Vancouver hotel room on July 13 following a fatal drug overdose. Understandably, Michele, who was engaged to marry Monteith, has been in self-imposed exile since then as she tries to get over the massive heartbreak. She had appeared at a recent memorial service held for the actor by the cast and crew of Fox's popular show, however this is the first time she has publicly acknowledged his passing.



A statement published by Fox was sent out earlier this month from Michele's reps that read; "Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she's received from family, friends, and fans. ... (Michele and the Monteith family) are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory's family."

Glee is set to return to Fox for a fifth season on 26 September 2013, a week later than initially planned. A tribute to Cory is planned to take place during the season, with writers believed to be at work on the special episode at the moment.

Cory Monteith
Monteith may be gone but he wont be forgotten soon