Jonathan Jackson Reflects on Hayden Panettiere’s Passing: Insights from Their Time on Nashville
Hayden Panettiere’s Nashville co-star Jonathan Jackson expressed his “shock and sorrow” following her passing at the age of 36.
“I struggle to find the words to convey the loss of our beloved Hayden,” Jackson, 44, shared on Instagram on Wednesday, August 19. “She radiated a remarkable light. A deeply sensitive person, incredibly humorous and clever. Exceptionally talented, with immense empathy and kindness. We grew up in the same industry, though she found her footing even earlier than I did, and we both understood the intensity of the challenges we faced.”
Jackson and Panettiere collaborated closely on the music-themed drama series, which aired from 2012 to 2016 on ABC and subsequently from 2016 to 2018 on CMT. Panettiere portrayed the aspiring country music star Juliette Barnes, while Jackson took on the role of Juliette’s husband, the troubled Avery Barkley.
“Working with her was an absolute delight. She was focused, spontaneous, and brilliant,” Jackson reflected. “Trust is crucial between friends and colleagues, and we had that. Lisa [Vultaggio, his wife] and I hold her close to our hearts, as if she were our own sister. She occupies that special place in our lives. Each day we worked together, I hoped she felt our love and discovered the peace she sought.”
The Greenville Police Department reported on Sunday, August 16, that Panettiere was found “unresponsive” at a home in Greenville, South Carolina. She was later declared dead due to a suspected overdose.
An autopsy conducted on Monday, August 17, revealed “no signs of trauma that would have contributed” to Panettiere’s death. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office stated that an official cause of death would be provided “pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.”
“It’s difficult to articulate the shock and grief so many of us are experiencing at this moment,” Jackson wrote regarding Panettiere’s passing. “We extend our heartfelt prayers to her family. May God’s angels guide you to your place of rest and true peace. We love you, Hayden. You will forever remain in our hearts. Always.”
In the days since her passing was reported, several Nashville cast members have publicly honored Panettiere. Connie Britton, who portrayed Juliette Barnes’ rival Rayna Jaymes on Nashville, described her late co-star as “bursting with brilliance [and] shining so brightly.”
“I have no words for this heartbreaking song. Just sorrow. I love you, girl. Rest easy now,” Britton, 59, expressed via Instagram on Monday.
Charles Esten shared a charming anecdote about how he met Panettiere during the auditions for the show. (He played songwriter Deacon Claybourne on Nashville.)
“I’ll never forget the first time I met her,” Esten reminisced on Instagram on Monday. “In a soundstage office in Hollywood, I was wrapping up my very first Nashville audition. After reading two Deacon scenes, I pulled out my guitar and sang two songs. After saying my goodbyes and hoping I had done well, I went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into someone unexpectedly. Hard.”
“To my utter surprise, it was Hayden Panettiere, who — still in full Juliette Barnes mode — had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of appearing caught, her face lit up with the most beautiful smile. Eyes sparkling, she clapped her hands and exclaimed, ‘That was so good!!’”
Esten recalled feeling an instant connection with his future co-star in that moment.
“I told her that, along with my family who watched Heroes, I was already a huge fan, and I appreciated her kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I walked out, I jokingly said, ‘See you on the set,’” he wrote. “Of course, I had many auditions ahead before landing that amazing role. However, when I finally did arrive in Nashville to start filming, she approached me, pointed at my face, and with that enchanting grin remarked, ‘See you on the set!’”
On Wednesday, PETA announced that Panettiere had filmed a new animal rights campaign for them just weeks before her death. The campaign includes the late star posing in a bathtub to protest the conditions of marine animals in extreme captivity at theme parks globally.
If you or someone you know is facing substance abuse challenges, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
