Jennifer Hudson revealed that “Ellen DeGeneres Show” late producer Matthew Wright was on the set of the talk show the day before the singer’s tragic death.
“We are saddened to lose Matt Wright, one of our former producers who helped launch @jenniferhudsonshow,” the “Dreamgirls” star wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.
“He came to visit on Thursday for our Halloween show!” added Hudson, 45.
“He has made such a huge impact on so many people in this industry and beyond!”
The “American Idol” alum concluded his caption by saying, “his heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Matt! 💜.”
Wright died Friday in an “unspeakable tragedy” while working remotely in Los Angeles, his family announced on a GoFundMe page. He was 52 years old.
Wright’s cause of death has not yet been announced.
On the crowdfunding platform, the late executive producer’s family made a desperate plea for financial assistance to bring Wright’s body from California to New York, where his family lives.
“Husband [Justin]father, sister, and nephew are in New York City, desperate to reunite for a proper farewell,” the GoFundMe read.
“We are asking all of Matt’s beloved friends to help the family at this time,” they added.
GoFundMe revealed that both Wright and her husband, Justin, were laid off over the summer.
“And the unexpected costs of getting Matt home, a funeral, and a memorial service are impossible for the family to cover,” the page said.
Ellen DeGeneres, 68, was one of several people who helped the family by making a donation. The “Finding Nemo” voice actor donated $5,000 to Wright’s GoFundMe.
DeGeneres broke down in tears on social media as she paid tribute to Wright, who worked on the comedian’s former talk show for 16 years.
“God, he was a great guy,” DeGeneres said in an Instagram video. “He made me laugh, he always surprised me with the things he did.
“He was smart, he was kind… I mean, everyone loved him,” he continued. “I loved it. And it’s really shocking, shocking.”