Nashville Stars Pay Tribute to Late Co-Star Hayden Panettiere

Nashville actors Jonathan Jackson and Clare Bowen have paid a touching tribute to their late co-star Hayden Panettiere, who passed away at 36.

Tribute from Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson, who played Avery Barkley on the show, described his co-star as a “sensitive soul” and “incredibly funny and witty.”

In his Instagram post, he shared how they both “grew up in the industry” and shared that “silent knowing of how intense the struggles can be.” He also expressed his shock and grief at Panettiere’s passing.

Tribute from Clare Bowen

Clare Bowen, who played Scarlett O’Connor on the show, wrote a poem set to images of her and Panettiere together. The poem is a heartfelt tribute to their friendship and collaboration.

The poem, titled “I’ll Remember You,” captures the essence of their relationship and features lines such as “You said kind things about strangeness, old boots, an old soul” and “We'll see you someday in your beautiful wings.”

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Tributes from Other Former Co-Stars

Many of Panettiere's former co-stars on the various film and TV projects she had worked on shared deeply personal and emotional memories of the actress.

Nashville alums Connie Britton and Charles Esten, as well as Solange Knowles (Bring It On: All or Nothing), Jack Coleman (Heroes), Griff Hurst (A Breed Apart), Neve Campbell (Scream) and Tim Fywell (Ice Princess) have all penned tributes to Panettiere.

Personal Connection

Jonathan Jackson, who played Avery Barkley on the show, described how he and Panettiere shared a personal connection. They both grew up in the industry, although she started even younger than him, but they shared that “silent knowing of how intense the struggles can be.”

He also expressed his shock and grief at Panettiere’s passing, stating it was “not possible to express the shock and grief that so many of us feel right now.”

Conclusion

The outpouring of tributes from their colleagues and former co-stars is a testament to Panettiere's impact on the entertainment industry. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of talent, compassion, and kindness.