Stars Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere Following Her Death

The actress was found unresponsive in a Greenville, South Carolina apartment over the last weekend. Colleagues from across her decades-long career have since shared emotional remembrances online.

Hayden Panettiere, the beloved star of "Heroes" and the ABC music drama "Nashville," died on August 16, 2026. She was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina, that Sunday afternoon. She was 36.

The news has hit fans hard, particularly those who followed and supported the former child star for decades. Colleagues from throughout her career have also taken to social media to share their grief.

On Monday, August 17, Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in 2016's "Custody," posted a heartfelt tribute. "What an amazing talent you were....so gifted," the "Woman King" star wrote.

"Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you....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," she continued.

"Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden," she added. "Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....♥️🙏🏿🕊."

Panettiere's "Guiding Light" co-star Bethany Joy Lenz also shared heartbreaking memories from their decades-long friendship. "I'm here with my head in my hands and I don't know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue [sic]," Lenz wrote.

She continued, "I'm crushed. 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 Guiding Light blocking and camera rehearsals."

"Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else's. Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I'd ever seen on camera," the actress said.

Lenz shared that she and Panettiere reconnected sporadically over the years and always found joy in their reunions. "I don't understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around," Lenz wrote.

She added, "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."

Under Panettiere's final Instagram post, shared in July, Selma Blair wrote, "I love you. Don't be gone. Don't be gone. Please. Please," later adding, "I'm dying. Please be here."

"Orange Is the New Black" star Tarryn Manning also paid tribute to Panettiere beneath the same post. "You're the best! 😢 always a wonderful wonderful person to see! Not one time were you not a sweetheart! So real!" she said.

"This life was not good enough for you! A true angel on this planet! Thank you for you! To God be the Glory. You're the lucky one. 'Love you🤍 ," Manning wrote.

Connie Britton, who starred opposite Panettiere for six seasons on "Nashville," shared memories from their years together on set. "This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright. I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔," she wrote.

Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, was the first to share news of her passing.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he said in a statement. "She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen."

The actress is survived by her mother, Lesley Vogel, and was preceded in death by her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died in 2023 at age 28 from complications related to enlarged heart syndrome. She also leaves behind her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.