Hayden Panettiere Dies at 36: ‘Nashville’ Star Remembered for Her Country Music Legacy

Hayden Panettiere, the actor known for playing country star Juliette Barnes on “Nashville,” died Sunday at age 36.

Panettiere was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been temporarily staying, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her official cause and manner of death have not been determined. An autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, and police said there were no signs of foul play.

Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed his daughter’s death in a statement shared with ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” he said.

Hayden Panettiere in 2024, photo by Tyler Patrick Kenny

Panettiere built a career spanning television and film, with roles in “Heroes,” “Remember the Titans,” “Ice Princess,” “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” “I Love You, Beth Cooper” and the “Scream” franchise. But for country music fans, she became especially recognizable through her role as Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.”

Panettiere starred as the ambitious and complicated country singer throughout the show’s six-season run from 2012 to 2018. Her performance earned her two Golden Globe nominations, in 2013 and 2014.

The role also gave Panettiere a real-life connection to country music. Songs she recorded for “Nashville” reached Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, with 11 of her recordings appearing on the chart during her run on the series.

Panettiere had also spoken publicly about her struggles with postpartum depression and alcohol addiction, experiences that at times paralleled storylines involving her “Nashville” character. She discussed those experiences and other parts of her life in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” released in May.

Following news of her death, fans and former co-stars shared tributes and memories of Panettiere’s work across television, film and music.

“Omg my Bring It On icon,” one social media user wrote. “Rest in peace.”

“This is such sad news,” another wrote on Instagram. “I hope she’s reunited with her brother.”

Panettiere’s younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, died in 2023 at age 28 from complications related to an enlarged heart and an aortic valve condition.

In his statement, Panettiere’s father remembered his daughter as someone whose impact extended far beyond the screen. “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.”