Charles Esten honored his late 'Nashville' costar Hayden Panettiere with a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Monday, sharing photographs from their years together on the musical drama and recounting an unexpectedly humorous first meeting that set the tone for their professional relationship.
The actor posted multiple images capturing moments from their collaboration on the television series, which aired from 2012 to 2018. In his caption, Esten revealed that he and his wife Patty Hanson were stunned by news of Panettiere's death before sharing the story of their initial encounter.
According to Esten's account, their meeting occurred under less-than-ideal circumstances. After completing his audition for the show, which included performing scenes and singing, he opened the door to exit and accidentally struck someone with considerable force. That person was Panettiere.
Esten explained that Panettiere had been positioned near the door, listening to his audition. Rather than reacting with embarrassment or anger to the collision, she responded with encouragement, smiling and complimenting his performance. The actor recalled jokingly telling her he would see her on set, despite neither having secured their roles at that point. The prediction proved accurate.
In his tribute, Esten praised Panettiere's abilities and character. She was "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," Esten wrote on Instagram.
Panettiere died in Greenville, South Carolina on Sunday. First responders received a call to a residence at 1:51 PM but were unable to revive her, according to TMZ.com. The outlet reported that Narcan, a medication used to reverse drug overdose effects, was discovered in the apartment, and dispatch audio suggested a possible overdose, though official cause and manner of death have not been determined.
Esten joins numerous celebrities who have publicly mourned Panettiere's passing. Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, 50 Cent, and Tim Allen have all shared tributes honoring the actress.
Panettiere was 36 years old.
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Ava Hart
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