Ryan Dorsey has praised his son, Josey, as “so strong, so brave, and so kind” following the tragic death of his mother, Naya Rivera

And now, Naya’s ex-husband Ryan has taken to Instagram to heap praise on their son, as he said he “couldn’t be any prouder” of the youngster.

Posting a picture of Josey decked out in merchandise from the North Carolina Panthers NFL team, he wrote: “#throwbackthursday ! Shout to @panthers and @sirpurr for sending us some sweet holiday swag. We really appreciate it.

“This little boy...man...I couldn't be any prouder of someone. At such a young age, he's endured more than anyone should at 5 years old. Without even fully realizing it, he lives the #keeppounding mantra every day with his resilance. You're so strong, so brave, and so kind. I will always be proud of you and we will always #keeppounding b/c that's all we can do.

“To everyone that had a tough 2020...you will never forget it, we think about it every day and I feel for you and vibrate alongside you on that frequency...I hope you can find some way to go on with your days, to persevere - no matter how hard it is. All the [love]. #keeppounding (sic)”

The touching post comes after Ryan also took to social media last week to mark what would have been the ‘Glee’ star’s 34th birthday.

He wrote at the time: "Just as surreal as it is real that you're gone.

"If that makes sense, but none of this still makes any sense... 34.. I could just hear you saying 'Ah, I'm old AF now!' Ha... Rest easy old lady... (sic)”