Connie Britton is opening up about attending Nashville costar Hayden Panettiere‘s memorial after her shocking death.
“We all just bawled,” Britton, 59, told People in a cover story published Tuesday, October 13, reflecting on attending the event with fellow Nashville alums. “I’m finding solace and connection within the community of people who still remain.”
The actress further described her experience working with Panettiere in Tennessee while filming the hit series, which ran for six seasons from 2012 to 2018.
“I really was looking for my village when I moved there with my tiny baby, and I needed help,” Britton recalled, referring to son Yoby, now 15. “Every time Yoby was on set and Hayden was there, she’d just stop everything. Everything became about Yoby. It just felt like sweetness.”
Panettiere was found dead at age 36 in South Carolina on August 16. An autopsy later revealed there were “no signs of trauma” that would have contributed to her death.
According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Panettiere died from the “toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, Alprazolam, Methocarbamol, and Quetiapine.” Her death was ruled an accident.
A rep for the actress told Us last month, “The investigation is still ongoing and the case is complex.”
Panettiere’s loved ones and former costars gathered for a private celebration of life in Malibu on September 19. Us exclusively reported there were around 80 guests in attendance, including the actress’ father, Skip. (Panettiere’s mom, Lesley Vogel, was invited but unable to attend.)
Britton attended alongside fellow Nashville alum Charles Esten, who performed in Panettiere’s honor.
The Friday Night Lights alum previously paid tribute to Panettiere with a heartfelt Instagram post shortly after news broke of her death.
“This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright,” Britton wrote on August 17. “I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now. 💔.”
Panettiere, meanwhile, opened up about her relationship with Britton in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which was released in May.
“My character wasn’t intended to be the show’s star — not even close,” she wrote. “That honor went to Connie, whose Rayna Jaymes was in the twilight of her career, facing a dramatic turning point thanks to yours truly.”
Panettiere recalled her billing going “way up” and “nipping at Connie’s heels,” which made her “uncomfortable.”
“I was 23 years old, and Connie was in her 40s with three Emmy nominations under her belt,” she continued. “She was also a new mom. This should have been her time to shine, and while it was in many respects, I was terrified of making Connie worry that I — not my character — was trying to compete with her. … I was not going to step on the toes of Rayna Jaymes or Connie Britton.”
