‘Nashville’ Stars Charles Esten and Connie Britton Mourn Hayden Panettiere After Her Death at 36
“What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend,” Esten wrote.
Charles Esten, Hayden Panettiere; Photo Courtesy Charles Esten
On Sunday, Aug. 16, actress Hayden Panettiere passed away after being found unresponsive inside a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Police responded to the home following a 911 call at approximately 1:51 p.m. local time.
Hayden Panettiere Dead at 36
According to reports, first responders attempted to revive Panettiere using advanced cardiac life support measures, but their efforts were unsuccessful. She was later pronounced dead at 36 years old.
Panettiere was known for several memorable roles throughout her career, including her work on NBC’s Heroes and in the film Remember the Titans. However, she became especially beloved among country music fans for her role as Juliette Barnes on ABC’s Nashville, where she showcased both her acting and singing talents.
As news of her untimely passing spread, fans, friends and fellow actors took to social media to remember the late actress and celebrate her life and career.
Charles Esten Recalls the First Time He Met Panettiere
Charles Esten, who worked closely with Panettiere throughout her time on Nashville, shared that he was “stunned and saddened” by the loss. In his heartfelt tribute, Esten also looked back on the first time he met Panettiere and the lasting impression she made on him.
“In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first NASHVILLE audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard,” he wrote.
“To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who – in full Juliette Barnes mode – had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, ‘That was so good!!’”
Esten admitted that her words meant the world to him.
“I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that. I told her that, along with my HEROES-watching family, I was already a big fan of hers, and that I was grateful for the very kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I went to leave, I said a jokingly cocky, ‘See you on the set!’”
Fast forward, when Esten finally landed the role of Deacon Claybourne, he crossed paths with the actress again.
Panettiere and Esten Became ‘Fast Friends’
“I was, of course, many auditions away from landing that incredible role. But when I finally did, and showed up in Nashville to start work, she walked right up to me, pointed in my face, and with that magical grin said, ‘See you on the set!’”
Esten said he and Panettiere quickly became “fast friends,” sharing plenty of laughs and memorable moments on the set. Reflecting on her talent, personality and the friendship they built, he wrote:
“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. What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me.”
Esten said that he and his wife, Patty, are “heartbroken” and shared prayers for her family and those close to her.
Connie Britton Pays Tribute to Her ‘Nashville’ Co-Star
Connie Britton, who co-starred alongside Hayden Panettiere and Charles Esten on Nashville, also shared a heartfelt tribute to the actress, writing, “This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Britton wrote alongside a series of photos, mostly from the set of Nashville. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔”
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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