What To Know
- Connie Britton paid tribute to her late Nashville costar Hayden Panettiere, praising her “brilliance” and sharing heartfelt memories on Instagram.
- Panettiere died at age 36 in her South Carolina home on August 16. An official cause of death is still to be revealed.
- Panettiere, remembered for roles in Nashville, Heroes, and other films, is survived by her daughter and parents.
Connie Britton is the latest of Hayden Panettiere‘s costars to pay tribute to the actress after the shocking news of her death. Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, in her home in South Carolina at the age of 36. While an official cause of death has not been confirmed, paramedics were called to Panettiere’s home in response to a reported overdose.
Britton and Panettiere costarred in ABC’s Nashville for six seasons from 2012 to 2018. Panettiere played country music singer Juliette Barnes opposite Britton’s Rayna James. Britton shared photos from Nashville, including behind-the-scenes photos, and their friendship on Instagram on August 17, celebrating the “brilliance” of her costar and wishing her peace.
“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Britton posted on Instagram. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now.”
Britton also posted a video of Panettiere dancing with children on her Instagram Story that’s not included in the carousel. “This angel!” Britton captioned the video. “Backstage with the African Children’s Choir. This was Hayden.”
According to TMZ, a friend of Panettiere’s called 911 on the afternoon of Sunday, August 16. Paramedics responded to a “cardiac arrest” call for an “unresponsive female” suffering from a reported overdose. The medics tried to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead around 2:30 p.m. local time. An autopsy will be performed to determine her official cause of death.
Panettiere’s death was announced by her family in a statement to ABC News later that day.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement said. “She was 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.”
Panettiere starred in titles such as Remember the Titans, Heroes, the Scream and Bring It On franchises, and more. She’s survived by her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, and her parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere.