People: Naya Rivera's Top Priority Was Being a Mom to Her 4-Year-Old Son Josey

Naya Rivera always put her family first over her career. A source close to the late actress opened up about her unlimited devotion to her son Josey.

On Monday, "Glee" alum Naya Rivera was found deceased following a five-day search on Lake Piru in California. The mother-of-one went on the outing with her only son last Wednesday.

At 33, Rivera was a single mom to four-year-old Josey, who was found on a boat on the lake alone last week. People reports that the young boy was Rivera's top priority in her life over all else.

SOURCE SPEAKS ON RIVERA'S LOVE OF MOTHERHOOD

"You could tell she loved being a mom," said a source who claimed to be close to the actress. Rivera shares her son with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, whom she divorced from in 2018.

The source explained: "Back in the day, her life was all about her career. [...]. But her priorities shifted. She was working less not because she didn't want to work, but because her son came first."

The testimony follows an interview from last year in which Rivera talked about her little boy. "I enjoy every minute of it. He is my best friend," she had said.

RIVERA'S RISE TO FAME AND MUSIC PURSUIT

Rivera's path to motherhood was mostly centered around her career. She began acting as young as four on "The Royal Family," earning a Young Artist Award in 1992 for her role.

While many best know her for playing Santana Lopez in "Glee," she's appeared in a few sitcom classics including "Family Matters," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "The Bernie Mac Show."

"Glee" put the singer and actress in the spotlight, and she enjoyed her role in the show. She once told ET that working there was "like going to work every single day with 12 of your best friends."

Rivera's fan base grew, and she began taking her music career more seriously as well. In 2013, she released a sing, "Sorry," which featured then-boyfriend Big Sean. The pair would split up a few months later.

RIVERA AND EX PUT THEIR SON FIRST

Soon after, Rivera and Dorsey began their relationship. They had known each other before, and Rivera said she always held a flame for her fellow actor.

The pair welcomed Josey in 2015. Upon their split in 2016, the couple released a statement declaring that their "priority is and always will be our beautiful son that we share together."

According to People, the pair shared joint physical custody of Josey at the time of their divorce. Over the years, Rivera has made numerous heartwarming statements revealing her love for her son.

"GLEE" CREATORS SET UP COLLEGE FUND FOR JOSEY

Following her death, "Glee" creators have come forward and vowed to assist Rivera's son. Ian Brenna, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy made known plans to open a college fund for the young boy.

Several members of the "Glee" cast also paid tribute on social media with pictures and video of Rivera. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow shared a throwback clip of her singing alongside the late actress. Our condolences to all of them.