'Glee' Officials: Monteith Death to Delay Premiere

The cast and crew of Glee will begin filming season five later than scheduled due to the sudden passing of star Cory Monteith, FOX has announced.

Pics: Remembering Cory Monteith

In a statement to ET on July 19, officials announced that production of the hit series would be pushed back to early August, one week later than previously planned.

"In light of the tragic passing of beloved Glee cast member Cory Monteith, the series' executive producers, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company have jointly decided to delay the start of production of Glee until early August," reads the statement. "Season Five of Glee will now premiere on Thursday, Sept. 26."

Related: Stars React to Cory Monteith's Death

Additionally, for those who wish to honor the late actor, who played Glee's Finn Hudson, the show asks that donations be sent to the charities close to Monteith's heart such as Project Limelight Society, Virgin Unite and Chrysalis.

Monteith passed away at the age of 31 on July 13. According to Vancouver police officials, he succumbed to a toxic mix of heroin and alcohol alone in his hotel room.