Y&R Star Camryn Grimes Says Goodbye to Her First ‘Baby’ — A Loss That Broke Her Heart

As a longtime viewer of The Young and the Restless, I’ve watched Camryn Grimes grow from a talented child star into one of the most emotionally compelling actresses on daytime TV. Her portrayal of Mariah Copeland has brought tears, laughter, and unforgettable moments to millions of us.

But the pain she recently shared with fans wasn’t scripted. It wasn’t for a role.

It was heartbreakingly real.
In February 2024, just months after welcoming her first child, Camryn took to Instagram to share that her beloved dog Riley — her “first baby” — had passed away. And as I read her tribute, I could feel my own heart cracking a little with hers.

“She Made Me a Mom Before I Ever Had a Child”
Camryn’s words were raw and beautiful — not crafted for PR, but carved straight from emotion.
“Yesterday, I held my little girl in my arms for the last time and told her the story of us. I thanked her for every chapter she spent by my side…”

She recounted how Riley had been part of her life for nearly 15 years — through homes, heartbreaks, career shifts, and love. The dog was with her long before she met her fiancé Brock Powell or became a mom to baby Bridger Elias Foster in December 2023.

“She was the first thing I ever truly cared for beyond myself… She made me a mom before I ever had a child.

It wasn’t just the passing of a pet. It was the closing of a life chapter. And as someone who’s also known that kind of bond with an animal, I felt every word.

Motherhood and Mourning: The Bittersweet Timing
What struck me — and many fans — is the emotional irony. Just as Camryn was stepping into the joy and exhaustion of new motherhood, she was also mourning a profound loss.

The overlap of beginnings and endings. Of cradling new life while letting go of old love.
It’s not the kind of duality you often see shared publicly. But Camryn didn’t hold back.

She called Riley her “constant,” the one who got her out of bed during her darkest days, the one who showed her what it meant to care selflessly. And even though her house now has the sounds of a new baby, there’s a silence where Riley used to be.As a fan — and as a human — I respect that vulnerability so much.

How the Y&R Family Responded
Camryn’s Y&R co-stars were quick to send love. Melissa Claire Egan, Bryton James, Courtney Hope — the comments were full of support, paw print emojis, and broken hearts. Because in the daytime TV world, cast members become chosen family. And this loss was felt by all.
It reminded me that the bonds we see on-screen don’t stop when the cameras cut. They carry through moments like this — the real-life highs and heartbreaks.

A Moment of Connection for All of Us
Camryn’s tribute wasn’t just for Riley. It was for anyone who has ever loved a pet like family — and lost them. Her words gave permission to grieve deeply, to honor the silent companions who shape our lives more than we often realize.So I want to ask you, dear reader:
Have you ever had a ‘first baby’ — the kind with four legs, who gave you unconditional love before you ever knew how deeply you could feel?
And what helped you cope with that kind of loss?

Let’s talk about it. Because when someone like Camryn shares her heart, the least we can do is open ours too.

As a longtime viewer of The Young and the Restless, I’ve watched Camryn Grimes grow from a talented child star into one of the most emotionally compelling actresses on daytime TV. Her portrayal of Mariah Copeland has brought tears, laughter, and unforgettable moments to millions of us. But the pain she recently shared with fans…