Connie Britton shares moving tribute to Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere after death at 36: ‘I have no words’
Hollywood star Connie Britton has been left “heartbroken” by the death of her former co-star Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36.
The 59-year-old actress shared a series of photographs from their time together on the country music drama Nashville, accompanied by an emotional message on Instagram.
“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Ms Britton wrote. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.” (sic)
Ms Panettiere’s family described her as “an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Hayden Panettiere, known for roles in the Scream franchise and Heroes, died on Sunday night | REUTERSShe is survived by her 11-year-old daughter Kaya, from her relationship with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, who also broke his silence on Tuesday.
Ms Britton and Ms Panettiere shared top billing on Nashville for five seasons after the show launched on ABC in 2012.
Ms Britton portrayed fading country legend Rayna Jaymes, whilst Ms Panettiere played ambitious young star Juliette Barnes.
In her memoir, published earlier this year, Ms Panettiere revealed her unease at being elevated from a supporting role to near-equal status with Ms Britton after the pilot.
Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, a week before her 37th birthday | GETTY
“I was 23 years old, and Connie was in her forties with three Emmy nominations under her belt,” she wrote. “This should have been her time to shine.”
During a 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ms Panettiere called her Nashville co-star “amazing” and “so supportive.”
She added: “Connie is just a class act. She is so smart and so wise, and just being able to be on screen with her, I was honored.”
The Greenville Police Department confirmed that officers and emergency medical personnel were called to reports of an “unresponsive female” at a Greenville address at approximately 1:50pm local time on Sunday.
Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere in 2012
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GETTY
Dispatch audio obtained by People captured officials referencing an apparent “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” whilst attending to Ms Panettiere.
Police stated that their preliminary investigation had revealed no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
An autopsy was carried out on Monday, with Greenville County Coroner Mike Ellis confirming that “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.”
The coroner added that both the cause and manner of death remain pending whilst further studies are completed, and the investigation continues.
Charles Esten, who portrayed Deacon Claybourne on Nashville, recalled forming an instant bond with Ms Panettiere.
“She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette,” he wrote.
Emma Roberts, her Scream 4 co-star, called Ms Panettiere “so loved” and said she would “be forever missed.”
Tim Allen, who worked with Ms Panettiere on the film Joe Somebody, said he was “shocked and so sad,” recalling that “the fondest memories of that movie were moments around her.”
Viola Davis praised her as “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart,” whilst Kim Cattrall said the actress was “gone far too soon.”
Brittany Snow, who played Ms Panettiere’s sister on Guiding Light, hailed her “undeniable strength and spirit.”
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