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Selma Blair, Viola Davis and More Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Her Death
Hayden Panettiere's last words to Clayton Johnson meant the world.
The Nashville alum spoke with the country musician in the weeks leading up to her Aug. 16 death at age 36, with Johnson sharing that Panettiere had left him with some impactful words.
"It’s been a couple of weeks since our last phone call, but the last thing you ever texted me was, 'Honestly, people think it’s a joke to ask for world peace, but that would be me,'" Johnson wrote on Instagram Aug. 17, sharing a video of himself and Panettiere singing his 2025 single "Never Have To Say."
"That was you in a nutshell," he continued. "I’m grateful I got to know you, and I’ll always be grateful for the memories."
In his tribute, Johnson—who was cast on Taylor Frankie Paul’s season of The Bachelorette following his breakup with Lana Del Rey—also reflected on how Hayden's passing came three years after the death of her 28-year-old brother Jansen Panettiere.
"I spent last night trying to process, to try to find the right words, but there really aren’t any," the 37-year-old added. "More than anything, I hope you’re at peace now and reunited with Jansen."
Authorities from South Carolina's Greenville Police Department were called to an apartment complex on Aug. 16 around 1:51 p.m., according to a press release obtained by E! News. Upon arrival, first responders performed CPR on an unresponsive woman—later identified as the Heroes actress—before pronouncing her dead at the scene.
A police dispatcher reported the incident as an "overdose" to officers in a 911 call obtained by People and TMZ.
While an official cause of death has not been determined, Greenville authorities told E! News in a statement that an initial autopsy report confirmed “no signs of trauma" were discovered that would have contributed to Panettiere's passing. Furthermore, a premilitary police investigation into her death showed no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
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Months before her passing, Panettiere—mom to daughter Kaya, 11, with ex Wladimir Klitschko—had published her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, detailing her struggles with sobriety following addiction and postpartum depression.
"I never want to stop evolving and changing for the better, and I’ll forever be a work in progress," she wrote, “but one thing I know from my 36 years in the public eye is this: Life is a process that evolves day by day, year by year—and like it or not—you are engaged in a cycle of growth until the moment you take your last breath."
For more celebrities paying tribute to Panettiere, read on.
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Connie Britton
"This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright," Britton wrote alongside photos of the two starring on Nashville together. "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."
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Jenna Ortega
The Wednesday actress shared the news of Panettiere's death to her Instagram Story, writing, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."
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Kim Cattrall
The Ice Princess star—who played Panettiere's mom in the 2005 Disney film—shared a photo from the movie and a touching note to the late actress.
"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote on Instagram. "Gone far too soon."
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Alyson Stoner
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum—who worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise—shared a tearful reflection.
"I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached," they said in an Instagram video. "Sending so much love to Hayden's family, I'll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left. Sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too and how we're sharing in this loss."
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Kerry Washington
"Hayden Panettiere was a beautiful talent and beautiful soul," the Scandal alum wrote. "Sending her family my love, thoughts and prayers."
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SAG-AFTRA
"We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the union—which she joined in 1994 at age 4—began its tribute. "Starting as a child actor, Hayden's long career in TV and film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans."
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David Anders
"One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend," the Heroes alum wrote of his costar. "I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."
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James Kyson
Kyson, best known for his role as Ando Masahashi in Heroes, recalled meeting his costar while filming the sci-fi series.
"I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul," he wrote on Instagram. "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I've always appreciated."
He also shared a reminder to online users, emphasizing, "Life can be so short… let's send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today."
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Brandon Auman
"Horrible news," Auman, who directed Panettiere's final film Sleepwalker, began on Instagram. "Completely devastated. You taught me so much on set, and the personal stories you shared with me about growing up in the industry were often profound, surreal and amazing. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you, Hayden."
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JoJo
"This is such devastating news," the singer wrote on her Instagram Stories. "I am so so sorry to heard of her passing. Oh. My God."
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Chris Applebaum
Applebaum shared a throwback clip of him working with Panettiere on the music video for her 2008 song "Wake Up Call," while detailing their recent reunion.
"I directed this video for @haydenpanettiere with @imsebastianstan," he explained on Instagram. "When I saw her at Paris' a couple months ago, we were cracking up over all the funny stuff we talked about between shots, pranking Klitschko in Miami, and how tiny she was. Such a sweet, tiny little bundle of joy. Your memory will always be a blessing."
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Jeremy Renner
The Hawkeye star commented on People's Instagram post, "Bless you and your family."
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Dania Ramirez
"My heart aches so much right now," Panettiere's Heroes costar wrote. "I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension."
"My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you," she added. "I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you."
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Bethany Joy Lenz
After Panettiere’s death Aug. 16, her Guiding Light costar Bethany Joy Lenz was one of many who shared heartbreaking memories from their years-long friendship.
“I’m crushed,” Bethany wrote in an Instagram post. “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 blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing.”
Noting that the pair would “connect on and off over the years,” Bethany detailed feeling joy when they “were lucky enough to cross paths.”
“I dont understand how this is real,” she continued. “Everything seemed to be turning around. 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..”
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Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, remembered her as "an amazing talent."
“Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you,” Viola wrote in her Aug. 17 Instagram post, “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. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
“You will be remembered,” the Fences star added. “Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”
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Selma Blair
Underneath the Heroes actress’ final Instagram post, Blair penned a heartbreaking message: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” The Legally Blonde alum later added, “I'm dying. Please be here."
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Kelly Osbourne
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”
Osbourne praised Panettiere as being “such a good friend.”
“I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” the Osbournes alum added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”
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Rosie O'Donnell
"Oh my god," the comedian wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere Aug. 16, "heartbroken. #hayden."
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Melissa Barrera
Panettiere's Scream costar Barrera wrote on her Instagram Stories Aug. 16, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
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Jay Shetty
The podcaster—who sat down with the Bring It On: All or Nothing star in May for an emotional conversation about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother—shared he was in "disbelief."
"You were so special," he wrote on his Instagram Stories alongside a clip of her podcast episode. "May you always be protected and peaceful."
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Heather Matarazzo
The Princess Diaries star shared she met the Ice Princess actress during their early days of acting.
“Devastated,” she captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light…..Love you, Hayden.”
For free and confidential help for those facing mental and/or substance use disorders, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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