Cory Monteith Death: Lea Michele Issues Statement On Boyfriend's Passing

The Glee co-stars were so in love.

A day following the announcement of Glee actor Cory Monteith's sudden death, girlfriend and castmate Lea Michele issued a statement through her publicist on the unspeakable tragedy: "We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea’s privacy during this devastating time."

Monteith, whose cause of death hasn't yet been revealed, began dating Michele in 2012 after years of working together on Glee. Michele had previously dated actor Theo Stockman, and Monteith had been linked to Taylor Swift, before the two "gleeks" took their romance offscreen.

Though Michele and most of the Glee cast members haven't tweeted about Monteith's passing yet, #PrayForLea is trending on Twitter and many have been flooding the celebrity's feed with messages of love and sympathy.

Earlier this year, Michele voiced support for Monteith when he voluntarily checked into rehab, "I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made this decision."

The two often tweeted photos of each other on set and during vacations. Though their characters have been romantically involved since season one, Michele and Monteith waited a couple of years to link up in real life, and many friends and fans expected them to marry.

Co-star Matthew Morrison said of their visibly special connection last month, "[Cory] and Lea make a great couple. They have what it takes to last. I will sing at their wedding." 

For more news and updates on Monteith, find me on Twitter: @LauraDonovanUA