August 24, 2026:

Published
Hayden Panettiere was honored on the Grand Ole Opry stage over the weekend by her
“Nashville” costar … and the emotional moment was a legit tearjerker.
Check out the video, but make sure you have some tissues nearby … Charles “Chip” Esten sang “Somewhere in the Sunshine” as a picture of him and Hayden remained on the screen.
Chip was among dozens and dozens of celebs who shared their shock and heartbreak over the actress’ sudden death in a South Carolina apartment on August 16 … and in a strange twist, Chip was playing a show at the venue connected to the apartment complex the weekend she died.
In a previous tribute posted to social media, Chip said Hayden was “a bright light” and “amazingly gifted.”
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The late actress was best known for her roles as Juliette Barnes on “Nashville” and Claire Bennet in “Heroes.”
Hayden’s death remains under investigation by authorities … including the DEA.