Ryan Dorsey Reveals He and Naya Rivera Had Plans for Baby No. 2

Naya Rivera and her former husband, Ryan Dorsey, had contemplated the idea of expanding their family following their divorce, prior to her tragic passing.

“We frequently played house,” Dorsey, 41, shared with People in an interview released on Saturday, February 15. “We were planning to have another baby and everything that comes with it.”

He continued, “We travelled to Maui to explore new places and seek a fresh start, but then we drifted apart again… If I had known back then what I know now, I would have tried harder to make things work.”

Rivera, who rose to fame as Santana Lopez on Glee, and Dorsey were married from 2014 until 2018. They welcomed their sole child, son Josey, in September 2015. Tragically, two years after their divorce, Rivera drowned in July 2020 at the age of 33.

“I wish it had worked out,” Dorsey expressed to People. “I wish we could have resolved our issues, had a few kids, and lived happily ever after. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for everyone.”

Since Rivera’s death, Dorsey has prioritized raising Josey as a single father.

“I strive to be the best parent I can be and to raise a wonderful young man,” he shared with the publication. “He gives me a purpose to keep moving forward in life.”

Dorsey, who has recently relocated his family from Los Angeles back to his home state of West Virginia, has refrained from dating since Rivera’s passing.

“I haven’t seriously dated anyone,” he explained to People. “Raising Josey is a full-time job, my career demands a lot of attention, and then there’s also the need for self-care, so there’s little opportunity to date.”

Eventually, the Tracker actor realized that he didn’t want to raise Josey, now nine, “by myself” and decided to re-enter the dating scene.

“The difficult aspect of being a single parent is the absence of a co-parent to assist with decisions regarding things like school choices and sports,” Dorsey noted. “Grandma is Josey’s maternal grandmother, and Grammy is my mother, and while both offer their opinions, ultimately, all decisions rest with me.”

According to People, Dorsey’s new partner — whose identity remains undisclosed — is also based on the East Coast.

“She inspires me and keeps me motivated, steering clear of dating apps,” Dorsey hinted. “It’s been a long time since I found someone I’m eager to explore a genuine relationship with. So, we’ll see how it unfolds. I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Dorsey humorously noted that Josey has been wishing for “a brother and a stepmom” for years.