Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Nashville’ Co-Star Dedicates Opry Performance to the Late Star

Charles Esten is remembering Hayden Panettiere. The actress’ Nashville co-star took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry days after her death, and played a song in her honor.

“Our Nashville family suffered a terrible loss. Our dear, dear friend Hayden Panettiere, who played the incredible Juliette Barnes,” Esten said. “She was a bright, shining light and a firework. She was such a great friend to me, so kind from the very beginning.”

Esten went on to recall how kind Panettiere was when they bumped into each other at their audition for the show. In fact, he said, she wound up recommending him for the part.

“That’s who she was,” he said. “The very first scene I ever had with her was here at the Grand Ole Opry, in the hallway right behind us here. That’s why I want to play this song for my dear friend, who I’m going to miss so much for so long.”

With that, Esten began his performance of “Somewhere in the Sunshine.” He released the song, which is about being happy and pain-free after death, in 2024.

Photos of Esten and Panettiere were shown on the screen behind him throughout the performance.

Charles Esten Remembers Hayden Panettiere

Panettiere died on Aug. 16 at age 36. Immediately following her death, Esten took to Instagram to pay tribute to her.

In his lengthy post, Esten recounted the same story of meeting the actress that he told at the Opry. He went on to reflecting on the relationship they went on to develop.

“We became fast friends, working very hard to play those 2 troubled Nashvillians, but always having fun and laughing a whole lot along the way,” he wrote. “She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette.”

“What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me,” Esten continued. “Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly.”

Photo by Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic

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