In an emotional turn of events, the parents of late “Glee” actor Cory Monteith—who died in 2013 at age 31—have succumbed to their own struggles and passed away just weeks apart. John and Ann McGibbon Monteith, who dedicated their lives to honoring their son’s legacy and raising awareness about addiction, died in separate incidents this November, leaving fans and friends mourning a second heartbreaking loss in as many months.
@People “Cory Monteith’s parents, John and Ann, die weeks apart—family confirms in touching tribute.” People magazine tweet
The Monteith family announced the news in a joint statement to Reuters, saying, “After years of heartbreak and advocacy, John passed away peacefully on November 2nd, followed by Ann on November 20th, both surrounded by loved ones. Their devotion to Cory’s memory gave hope to countless families.”
@Reuters “Cory Monteith’s mom and dad die just weeks apart—family calls it ‘a cruel twist of fate.’” Reuters breaking news
John Monteith, 78, had battled cancer in recent years, yet continued his work as an outreach speaker on addiction recovery. Ann Monteith, 75, was hospitalized unexpectedly after complications from a fall. Friends say the pair found solace in each other’s company and in their shared mission to help those grieving or struggling with substance abuse.
Their son Cory Monteith shot to fame as Finn Hudson on Fox’s hit musical-drama Glee, but behind the scenes, he wrestled with addiction. His overdose death on July 13, 2013, devastated colleagues and fans worldwide, sparking conversations about mental health in Hollywood. In the wake of his passing, John and Ann co-founded the Cory Monteith Foundation to support rehab programs and scholarships for treatment.
@Deadline “Cory Monteith’s parents devoted 12 years to his legacy—friends pay tribute after their passing.” Deadline Hollywood tweet
Celebrity friends offered condolences online. “John and Ann gave so much love to this community,” wrote Glee co-star Jane Lynch on Instagram. “They were the true heroes behind Cory’s story.” Meanwhile, Lea Michele, Monteith’s former fiancée, posted a tearful video remembrance on her Instagram Stories, recalling Ann’s gentle encouragement during Cory’s darkest days.
As news spread, fans shared memories under #MonteithParents. User @GleeForever tweeted, “Their courage in the face of tragedy was inspiring—prayers for their family.” Another, @AddictionHope, commented, “John and Ann turned pain into purpose. Their legacy will live on through the lives they touched.”
@GleeForever “John & Ann taught us how to turn grief into a force for good. Rest in power.” Tweet by GleeForever
Over the past decade, the Monteiths traveled extensively, speaking at rehab centers, schools, and industry panels about the “insidious nature of addiction.” In a landmark 2018 CNN feature, they recounted the pain of losing Cory—and their determination to prevent similar tragedies. “We got up every morning to carry hope forward,” John said. “We owe it to Cory to keep fighting.”
@CNNHealth “Monteiths honored for advocacy—celebrating 5 years of foundation’s impact.” CNN Health tweet
The Cory Monteith Foundation funded over 200 scholarships for treatment and sponsored national conferences on dual-diagnosis treatment. Ann’s passion was writing heartfelt letters to families in grief, offering a shoulder through the foundation’s grief-support network. Her gentle voice and warmth became a beacon for those left behind by addiction.
In the days before his death, John recorded a video message for Cory’s unborn nephew, encouraging him to “cherish every breath and seek help when life gets too dark.” That recording, now publicly available on the foundation’s YouTube channel, has amassed over 2 million views.
@YouTube “Must-watch: John Monteith’s final message on hope and resilience.” YouTube official tweet
As the Monteith family prepares a joint memorial service in Vancouver, where Cory was raised, community leaders are coordinating a public vigil at Maple Ridge Park. Vancouver Mayor Lisa Caldwell has declared November 30th “Monteith Day” to honor the family’s advocacy. “Their dedication saved lives,” Caldwell said in a statement covered by BBC News. “Now it’s our turn to carry their torch.”
@BBCNews “Vancouver to honor Monteiths with ‘Monteith Day’—community gathers in tribute.” BBC global news tweet
Friends and fans are invited to share stories and support mental-health charities in lieu of flowers. The Monteith Foundation has set up a special memorial fund to continue John and Ann’s work, ensuring that their legacy—and Cory’s spirit—lives on through expanded treatment grants and educational outreach.
In the words of longtime friend and fellow actor Matthew Morrison, “Losing Cory broke them—but they rebuilt hope. Losing John and Ann now breaks us all.” As November draws to a close, the world mourns not only a beloved television icon, but also the extraordinary parents who rose above tragedy to offer compassion, resources, and love to so many.
