Hayden Panettiere had a complicated relationship with her mother, Lesley Vogel, which she discussed in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” and in multiple interviews. Their struggles have been well documented, and fans of the “Nashville” star were waiting to hear what her mom would say about her after her tragic death on Sunday, August 16.
On Tuesday, August 18, Vogel released a statement to NBC News, per People, about her daughter’s passing. In it, she had some kind things to say about Panettiere, including that she was an “amazingly talented person.” However, she also made negative comments about her life choices, describing her as someone who found “the wrong path” and that she “sadly lost her way.” Vogel also said she wishes Panettiere “had stayed true to herself.” For some, the reaction was uncalled for, and the negativity could have stayed out of the statement; Gayle King addressed this on Wednesday, August 19.
Gayle King Shows Compassion for Hayden Panettiere
In an episode of “CBS Mornings,” King showed compassion for Panettiere. “You know, guys, you read this, and all I can think is, ‘Thanks, Mom, for nothing,’” she said, Page Six reports. “It makes me so sad of the opportunity that you have after your daughter’s death. That that’s what you choose to leave us with.”
King also commented on the difference between Vogel and Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere’s statement. King said Vogel should have been “follow[ing] the lead.” Skip confirmed his daughter’s passing at age 36 in a heartfelt message that celebrated her.
In his statement to ABC News, Skip said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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.”
Vladimir Duthiers agreed with King. “For her mother to use these days after Hayden’s death to just remind the world just how much trauma she caused, it’s unseemly. You would hope a mother’s instinct is just mourn your daughter,” he said.
Hayden Panettiere’s Family Dynamics & Relationship With Her Mother
Panettiere is celebrated for her roles in “Heroes,” “Bring It On,” “Scream 6,” and “Guiding Light.” But she got her big break aged four on the soap opera, “One Life to Live.” The actress’s mom was heavily involved in her career, and it was not a healthy relationship. At age 19, Panettiere decided to cut professional ties with Vogel, and she reacted poorly.
“All I wanted was a dynamic that didn’t involve contracts, producers, boho tops, or drinking wine at industry parties,” she told The Independent. In response, the actress claims Vogel “picked up her purse, clenched her jaw, and looked straight at me. ‘You owe me.’” Then she left. “I knew I’d done the right thing, but I sensed something in me had died,” Panettiere shared.
She continued, “On one hand, I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. On the other hand, it was heartbreaking. Having a normal relationship [with me] wasn’t something that interested her. And it was also maybe something she wasn’t even capable of.” At the time of the May 2026 interview, Panettiere said she and Vogel were estranged.
