Jay Cohen, the beloved boyfriend of Michelle Trachtenberg, has opened up about his poignant journey through grief. Following the tragic passing of the former "Gossip Girl" star in February, aged just 39, Jay has expressed his profound gratitude to his closest circle for standing by him during this period of mourning, sharing how he maintains a semblance of optimism amidst his sorrow.
In a heartfelt Instagram post dated July 10, though private, Jay conveyed his deep appreciation. "I am immensely thankful for each of you in my life, who share in our mutual joys, assist me through tragedies, and aid in the healing process from the profound pain and grief I feel," he penned. "I'm certain many of you understand the sentiment behind these words."
While Jay, a partner at Gersh Talent Agency, refrained from naming his late sweetheart in his post, he did respond to a commentator, hinting at future revelations about Michelle, stating, "I'll share more about her one day soon," followed by, "Michelle was cherished by countless hearts."
Michelle, whose demise was attributed to complications stemming from diabetes mellitus by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, had kept her relationship with Jay relatively under wraps. However, just weeks before her passing, she offered a poignant glimpse into their romance. On Valentine's Day, February 14th, she posted a picture of herself and Jay dressed as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, captioning it, "Happy Valentine's Day to the man who patiently sits still for me to paint his face."
A year prior, in March 2024, Michelle shared the same photo on Instagram to celebrate Jay's birthday, writing, "Happy Birthday to the man who endures my antics @jaymcohen." Their bond seemed to extend beyond romantic love, encompassing shared health struggles. Jay's post also marked the 26th anniversary of his kidney transplant, a gift from a selfless organ donor. Notably, Michelle too was an organ recipient, having undergone a liver transplant before her untimely demise, as reported by several outlets.
In the wake of Michelle's passing, numerous peers, including several of her "Gossip Girl" costars, paid heartfelt tributes. In May, Leighton Meester reflected on the loss, describing it as "devastating." "She was a remarkable, talented individual, beloved by all," she shared with Flaunt. "It's an incredibly sad time for anyone who knew her."
