‘Glee’ Star Lea Michele Dedicates Teen Choice Award to Cory Monteith During Emotional Tribute (Video)

"Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that’s where he will stay forever," the actress told audience

"Glee" star Lea Michele dedicated her 2013 Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Comedy Actress to late castmate and boyfriend Cory Monteith during a tearful acceptance speech Sunday in Los Angeles.

Also read: Lea Michele Breaks Silence On Cory Monteith's Death (Photo)

"Thank you guys. Thank you. I just wanted to be here today to personally thank all of you and tell everyone out there how much your love and support has meant to me over these very past few difficult weeks," Michele told the audience.

Also read: Never-Before-Seen Cory Monteith Stills Released By Indie Film (Photos)

"Not that I had any doubt before, but you guys are most certainly the greatest fans in the world and I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory,” she said. "For all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love we're going to get through this together. He was very special to me and also to the world. We were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile, and his beautiful beautiful heart. So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he will stay forever. So thank you guys so much. Thank you."

See video: 20 of Cory Monteith's Greatest 'Glee' Performances

The Teen Choice Awards marked the 26-year-old actress' first public appearance since the death of Monteith in July.

Monteith's autopsy ruled that a mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol caused the actor's death, according to British Columbia Coroners Service.

Monteith entered rehab earlier this year after a long struggle with substance abuse throughout the years.

He died in his hotel room July 13 at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Monteith was 31.

Watch Michele's beautiful tribute here:

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