Charles Esten’s Heartfelt Tribute After Hayden Panettiere’s Tragic Passing

Charles Esten is breaking his silence after his former Nashville costar Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36 just days after she reportedly attended one of his shows.

"Patty [Hanson, his wife] and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden," Esten, 60, wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 17.

Esten starred alongside Panettiere in the hit ABC series, which aired from 2012 until 2016 and concluded with its final two seasons on CMT from 2016 until 2018. Panettiere starred as rising country music star Juliette Barnes, while Esten portrayed songwriter Deacon Claybourne.