Clare Bowen of Nashville Responds to the Passing of Hayden Panettiere
Clare Bowen delivered a touching tribute to her former Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere just days after her passing at the age of 36.
“It’s been rainy in the treehouse for days.. for you.. you whispered as if you had found the sun back in June,” Bowen, 42, shared on Instagram on Wednesday, August 19, accompanied by several black-and-white photographs of them together. “But you were always full of surprises and dreams, tugging at threads and the lines that connect us.”
The actress’ homage to Panettiere read like song lyrics or poetry, reflecting their deep and enduring friendship.
“So for now.. I’ll cherish the nights spent side by side in a cozy nest on the same street, brought together by fate,” Bowen expressed. “That silly bed the day you were upset that I didn’t scare — then under the looking glass light, we cried for everyone there.”
Bowen — who portrayed Scarlett O’Connor alongside Panettiere’s Juliette Barnes on the show centered around country music — offered fans a glimpse into their playful moments through nostalgic photos while grieving her loss.
“Thank you for chasing me that day in the dark when I was shattered and bruised, a heart hollowed out. You were there,” she reflected. “You listened to my worst moments. Our faces painted with the kisses of a good wolf, a good ghost.”
Bowen continued, “I’ll remember you cheeky in those beautiful red soles. You spoke kindly of uniqueness and old boots — an old soul. You warned me that our monsters were only half hidden at best… and then you fixed the tear in my favorite dress.”
Hayden Panettiere and Clare Bowen. Courtesy of Clare Bowen/Instagram
Bowen shared a joyful image of Panettiere, writing, “One among so many in pain, in plain sight with the last of yourself, you turned on the lights. We’ll meet again someday in your beautiful wings, where vultures and spinners aren’t fit to sing.”
The artist went on, “Woven from new gold and celestial breath, this isn’t goodbye; it’s just ‘take a rest.’ We’ll trade all the coffees, ride our horses too fast… dance with fireflies… and brothers… sisters… friends… under that magnificent blanket of stars.”
Bowen concluded her tribute with a heartfelt message to Panettiere. “Fly safe, little butterfly. I miss you. Love, luna moth,” she wrote.
Panettiere and Bowen became friends while filming ABC’s Nashville, which debuted in 2012. Both actresses played musicians and were of similar age, remaining part of the series throughout its four seasons on ABC and two additional seasons on CMT. The show concluded in 2018.
In the years since Nashville, Bowen has continued touring with many of her former co-stars, while Panettiere stepped back from the spotlight before returning to acting in 2023.
Tragically, just three years later, Us confirmed that Panettiere passed away on Sunday, August 16, in Greenville, South Carolina, reportedly while visiting to see a friend perform at The Foundry.
Nathan Followill, Caleb Followill, Garrett Hedlund, Hayden Panettiere, and Clare Bowen at the Music City Food + Wine Festival Harvest Night. Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Music City Food + Wine Festival
Nashville alum Charles Esten was scheduled to perform two nights at the venue, with his last show occurring just one day before Panettiere’s death.
The Greenville County Coroner’s Office informed Us on Monday, August 17, that paramedics responded to a report of “cardiac arrest” and discovered Panettiere unresponsive at the scene.
“EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM,” the medical examiner’s statement clarified.
While Panettiere’s cause of death has not yet been officially determined, the autopsy, completed on Monday, indicated “no signs of trauma” that could have contributed to her death.
A police report mentioned by Us stated that Panettiere’s ex Brian Hickerson and his brother were present at the apartment complex where the Heroes actress was found.
Hickerson provided a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was “currently taking,” according to the report, while earlier dispatch audio obtained by People referenced an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest” occurring around the time of her passing.
‘Nashville’ stars Robert Wisdom, Charles Esten, Connie Britton, Eric Close, Hayden Panettiere, Powers Boothe, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, and Jonathan Jackson. Craig Sjodin/ABC/Everett Collection
Before her passing, Panettiere’s close friends expressed concerns about her well-being, with a source telling Us that “she started spending time with Brian again.”
Panettiere and Hickerson were in a relationship from 2018 to 2021, during which time he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, serving 33 days in prison for abusing the Remember the Titans actress.
Panettiere leaves behind her daughter, Kaya, 11, whom she had with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is facing substance abuse issues, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
