Chris Carmack and wife Erin Slaver performed a beautiful tribute to their late “Nashville” co-star Hayden Panettiere.
The couple took to social media to share heartfelt words and a moving acoustic performance days after the beloved star’s death.
Hayden Tribute
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star shared a photo dump with Hayden on Saturday, August 22. One of the slides included a clip of him and wife Erin playing the guitar and violin, respectively, in a solemn tribute.
“Erin and I are both heartbroken at the loss of Hayden,” Carmack captioned his post. “We both knew her and worked with her on Nashville. Erin was cast as her band member and I had the pleasure of being her scene and stage partner during the run of the show.”
The star of Hallmark’s “Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas” continued, “When I came aboard, new to the show the whole cast including Hayden made me feel welcome to the new city and life I would live for 6 years. We laughed together, sang together, and danced together on set and at the many concerts and events we were able to attend. We both became parents around the same time and we bonded over that. Now there is an empty place in our hearts knowing that she is gone. As for her talent… it was undeniable. She was incredible on screen and somehow, even more incredible in person which is hard to believe.”
Carmack — who starred as Will Lexington in the country music drama — added, “Our hearts break for her family and their loss. And for all who had the pleasure of working with her.”
“She was a true talent and was taken far too soon. Hayden, you will be missed. I always thought that I’d see you again 💔🕊️.”
Fans flooded the comments section with love and condolences to the “The O.C.” alum.
“I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute,” former “Grey’s Anatomy” actress Kate Walsh wrote.
Musician Grace Leer added, “So sorry for your loss, that last video is just so beautiful ❤️.”
Hayden’s Death
The death of Hayden Panettiere has rocked Hollywood. The former child star was just 36 years old when she was found unresponsive inside a Greenville. South Carolina, apartment on Sunday, August 16.
Despite efforts from first responders to resuscitate the “Remember the Titans” star, she was declared dead at the scene.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, told ABC News at the time. “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.”
While an initial autopsy did not find signs of foul play, an investigation into her death is underway.
The “Ice Princess” star, who got her start in Hollywood at just 8 months old, leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya—whom she shared with ex Wladimir Klitschko.
She would have turned 37 on Friday, August 21.
“Happy Birthday my sweet Hayden. Daddy will never stop missing you,” her father shared. “I can only hope that you are with Jansen and he has taken you by the hand.”
