Nashville’s Connie Britton Reacts to Hayden Panettiere's Death

Aug 18, 2026 - 01:09

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Nashville’s Connie Britton Reacts to Hayden Panettiere's Death

Hayden Panettiere Shared Heartbreaking Final Instagram Post Weeks Before Death at 36

Connie Britton is remembering Hayden Panettiere.

The Emmy-nominated actress broke her silence on her Nashville costar’s sudden death on Aug. 16 at 36, sharing insight into their journey on the musical drama together.

"This was Hayden," Britton wrote on Instagram Aug. 17 alongside photos of them on set. "Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright."

She continued by expressing her grief over Panettiere's death, writing, "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."

The 59-year-old played seasoned country star Rayna James opposite of Panettiere's up-and-coming Juliette Barnes on the first five seasons of Nashville, exiting the series in 2017 prior to its sixth and final season.

And in her candid memoir, Panettiere had recently reflected on her experience on the show during her rapid rise to fame. In fact, detailed her worry that life would imitate art after her own billing on the series had "gone way up" following the pilot's success.

"My character wasn't intended to be the show's star—not even close," the Heroes alum wrote in her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was published in May. "That honor went to Connie, whose Rayna Jaymes was in the twilight of her career, facing a dramatic turning point thanks to yours truly. Juliette wasn't necessarily Rayna's enemy, but she was the antagonist."

However, Panettiere soon "went from maybe number five in terms of importance to nipping at Connie's heels" on set, leaving her "deeply uncomfortable with this development."

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"I was 23 years old, and Connie was in her 40s with three Emmy nominations under her belt," she explained. "This should have been her time to shine, and while it was in many respects, I was terrified of making Connie worry that I—not my character—was trying to compete with her."

That's why the Bring It On: All or Nothing actress always "made sure to grab the mic under Connie's hand, showing her I came in peace and with respect" when they filmed a scene where both their characters reached for a microphone at the same time.

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"I don't know if she noticed, but I did," Panettiere added. "I was not going to step on the toes of Rayna James or Connie Britton."

Despite her concern for making sure she never stepped on toes on set, she previously praised the Friday Night Lights alum for her leadership on set, detailing the bond they formed.

"Connie is just a class act,” Panettiere told Entertainment Weekly last September. “She is so smart and so wise, and just being able to be on screen with her, I was honored. I think we kept each other grounded throughout the whole thing."

"She's so smart and so savvy,” the Remember the Titans actress added. “She plays that character so well, and she's so likable, and I'm so unlikable in moments. But I feel like we were able to infiltrate that with portions where you can feel for [Juliette], you understand her, and see where her pain is coming from."

Britton isn’t the only former costar to express their grief following Panettiere’s death. Keep reading to see all the stars who have paid tribute…

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Connie Britton

"This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright," Britton wrote alongside photos of the two starring on Nashville together. "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."

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Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday actress shared the news of Panettiere's death to her Instagram Story, writing, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."

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Kim Cattrall

The Ice Princess star—who played Panettiere's mom in the 2005 Disney film—shared a photo from the movie and a touching note to the late actress.

"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote on Instagram. "Gone far too soon."

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Alyson Stoner

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum—who worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise—shared a tearful reflection.

"I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached," they said in an Instagram video. "Sending so much love to Hayden's family, I'll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left. Sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too and how we're sharing in this loss."

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Kerry Washington

"Hayden Panettiere was a beautiful talent and beautiful soul," the Scandal alum wrote. "Sending her family my love, thoughts and prayers."

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SAG-AFTRA

"We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the union—which she joined in 1994 at age 4—began its tribute. "Starting as a child actor, Hayden's long career in TV and film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans."

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David Anders

"One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend," the Heroes alum wrote of his costar. "I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."

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James Kyson

Kyson, best known for his role as Ando Masahashi in Heroes, recalled meeting his costar while filming the sci-fi series.

"I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul," he wrote on Instagram. "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I've always appreciated."

He also shared a reminder to online users, emphasizing, "Life can be so short… let's send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today."

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Brandon Auman

"Horrible news," Auman, who directed Panettiere's final film Sleepwalker, began on Instagram. "Completely devastated. You taught me so much on set, and the personal stories you shared with me about growing up in the industry were often profound, surreal and amazing. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you, Hayden."

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JoJo

"This is such devastating news," the singer wrote on her Instagram Stories. "I am so so sorry to heard of her passing. Oh. My God."

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Chris Applebaum

Applebaum shared a throwback clip of him working with Panettiere on the music video for her 2008 song "Wake Up Call," while detailing their recent reunion.

"I directed this video for @haydenpanettiere with @imsebastianstan," he explained on Instagram. "When I saw her at Paris' a couple months ago, we were cracking up over all the funny stuff we talked about between shots, pranking Klitschko in Miami, and how tiny she was. Such a sweet, tiny little bundle of joy. Your memory will always be a blessing."

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Jeremy Renner

The Hawkeye star commented on People's Instagram post, "Bless you and your family."

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Dania Ramirez

"My heart aches so much right now," Panettiere's Heroes costar wrote. "I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension."

"My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you," she added. "I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you."

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Bethany Joy Lenz

After Panettiere’s death Aug. 16, her Guiding Light costar Bethany Joy Lenz was one of many who shared heartbreaking memories from their years-long friendship.

“I’m crushed,” Bethany wrote in an Instagram post. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing.”

Noting that the pair would “connect on and off over the years,” Bethany detailed feeling joy when they “were lucky enough to cross paths.”

“I dont understand how this is real,” she continued. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real..”

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Viola Davis

Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, remembered her as "an amazing talent."

“Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you,” Viola wrote in her Aug. 17 Instagram post, “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”

“You will be remembered,” the Fences star added. “Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”

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Selma Blair

Underneath the Heroes actress’ final Instagram post, Blair penned a heartbreaking message: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” The Legally Blonde alum later added, “I'm dying. Please be here."

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Kelly Osbourne

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”

Osbourne praised Panettiere as being “such a good friend.”

“I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” the Osbournes alum added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”

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Rosie O'Donnell

"Oh my god," the comedian wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere Aug. 16, "heartbroken. #hayden."

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Melissa Barrera

Panettiere's Scream costar Barrera wrote on her Instagram Stories Aug. 16, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

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Jay Shetty

The podcaster—who sat down with the Bring It On: All or Nothing star in May for an emotional conversation about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother—shared he was in "disbelief."

"You were so special," he wrote on his Instagram Stories alongside a clip of her podcast episode. "May you always be protected and peaceful."

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Heather Matarazzo

The Princess Diaries star shared she met the Ice Princess actress during their early days of acting.

“Devastated,” she captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light…..Love you, Hayden.”