Lea Michele gave a tearful and moving speech, accepting an award at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards Sunday.

The speech marked the 26-year-old’s first public appearance since the death of her boyfriend Cory Monteith.

Backed by her Glee cast on stage for support, Lea said, “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.

“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. 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.”

Lea continued. “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.”

Watch Lea’s incredibly heartfelt speech to accept the award for Choice TV Actress: Comedy in the video clip below:

http://youtu.be/Wc6OOddDtKE