Ukrainian former world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, the ex-partner of the late actress and singer Hayden Panettiere, has shared his tribute to the star with the world.
Per People, Klitschko, 50, was in an on-and-off relationship with Panettiere for nine years, from 2009 until 2018. The couple had one daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, together. Kaya was born in December 2014, meaning she is now 11 years old.
Klitschko and Panettiere remained on good terms and, in 2021, the late star called him a “wonderful man” in a birthday post she shared on Instagram.
Panettiere tragically passed away on Sunday, August 16, at the age of just 36. Following countless tributes to the star from a host of celebrities, Klitschko took to social media on the morning of Tuesday, August 18, to post his.
Wladimir Klitschko Remembers ‘Important’ & ‘Immense Talent’ Hayden Panettiere
Wladimir Klitschko shared his heartfelt tribute to his ex-partner Hayden Panettiere with the one million followers on his Instagram account.
The post includes a single picture of the couple and their daughter, Kaya, in happier times. While Kaya’s face is intentionally obscured in the picture, she looks to be a toddler at the time it was taken. Panettiere, carrying Kaya on her shoulders, is wearing a baseball cap and a huge smile, as the wind blows her blonde hair across her face. Klitschko, wearing a baseball cap back-to-front, is smiling proudly behind them.
Klitschko’s long and touching caption on the post begins, “Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief.
It continues, “The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”
The caption goes on, “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”
Klitschko then addresses the former couple’s daughter, saying, “To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was.”
He then respectfully addresses Panettiere’s family by writing, “I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon.”
Klitschko adds, “I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say.”
The former boxer then thanks everyone who sent messages of support by saying, “Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences.”
The caption concludes, “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden.”
Klitschko’s followers flocked to the post’s comments section to send messages of love and support to him at this terribly sad and difficult time.
Klitschko’s Followers Mourn ‘Heartbreaking’ Loss of Panettiere
GettyThe comments section of Wladimir Klitschko’s tribute post to Hayden Panettiere is brimming with messages of love, support, and condolences.
One of the former boxer’s followers commented, “This is absolutely heartbreaking. She was still so young and had her whole life ahead of her. My deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Wishing you all so much strength during this incredibly difficult time. 🕊️”
Another follower who met Klitschko and Panettiere when they were together wrote, “I remember when you guys came out to train in 2010, a day I’ll never forget, you guys are so much fun had such great chemistry, she will always be with you and your daughter🤍🙏🏼.”
Someone else said, “Thank you for always doing right by your child and always speaking well of her mother. So sorry for your loss and the loss of your child’s mother. I hope you can grieve and navigate this with peace and grace ❤️.”
“Praying for you, her daughter, family, and friends🙏. The world lost such a beautiful soul and talent❤️,” said another Instagram user.
Finally, one person commented, “She loved her daughter so much and was forever grateful to have had you father her. Hayden’s passing is so sad and honestly so heartbreaking. She was truly so special 💔.”
We continue to send our heartfelt condolences to those close to Hayden Panettiere including — Wladimir Klitschko and Kaya — at this incredibly upsetting time. May Panettiere’s memory be a blessing and may she rest in eternal peace.
