Alyssa Milano is remembering her dear friend Hayden Panettiere in the wake of the Nashville star’s shocking death.
“I keep coming back to this photograph and thinking about Hayden’s courage,” Milano, 54, captioned a pic of her and Panettiere, who died at age 36 on Sunday, August 16. “I hope people remember this part of her and that it doesn’t get lost in the noise, the headlines, or the flattening of public figures into story and spectacle.”
She continued, “Long before it was common for public figures to speak out, Hayden understood something simple and difficult: visibility is not just something you are given, but something you can give away. And she gave hers, again and again, in service of things larger than herself.”
Milano went on to write that Panettiere fought for animal rights, marine conservation, Ukrainians and democracy, domestic violence, postpartum depression, addiction, recovery and abuse.
“She did not share these things for ease or attention, but because she understood what her silence could cost others,” Milano explained. “Her activism was not polished or performative. It was instinctive, human, sometimes messy, often vulnerable, and always sincere. Hayden was a gifted actor, but that was only part of what she gave us. She used her voice. She showed up. She cared fiercely.”
Milano concluded her tribute by writing, “Rest in peace, Hayden. You deserved so much more time and your courage deserves to be remembered.”
Panettiere and Milan were friends for many years, having crossed paths countless times at various Hollywood events.
Panettiere’s representative confirmed to Us that the actress died on Sunday. She was found unresponsive from an apparent overdose after authorities were called to respond to reports of an “unresponsive female” inside the residence. First responders reportedly administered CPR and other potentially life-saving measures, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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,” her dad, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement. “We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Hayden is survived by her daughter Kaya, 11, whom she shared with former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
Hayden was known for her roles on Heroes, Nashville and more, starting her Hollywood career as a child actor who notably starred in the hit 2000 film Remember the Titans. Through the years, she faced ups and downs in the public eye and took a break from acting in 2018 while struggling with postpartum depression in addition to alcohol and opioid addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
