Jay Shetty is remembering Hayden Panettiere and revealing what the actress privately told him following their emotional interview just months before her sudden loss.
Panettiere, known for her roles on “Nashville” and “Heroes,” died on Sunday, August 16, at age 36. An official cause of death has not been released.
On Tuesday, August 18, Shetty shared a tribute to Panettiere on Instagram and reflected on their conversation for his “On Purpose” podcast in May. According to Shetty, Panettiere reached out after the interview and told him how much the experience meant to her.
“I’m in shock and have been processing for the past day on your legacy and our loss,” Shetty wrote. “Just a few months ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with you on ‘On Purpose.’ After the episode, you told me it was truly healing. You said I was now like a big brother to you and that I helped you be brave.”
Shetty, 38, said he has “been devastated and heartbroken since I heard the news.”
Jay Shetty Says Hayden Panettiere Was ‘Courageous, Resilient’ & ‘Strong’
Shetty also credited the “Scream” star for her willingness to publicly discuss some of the most difficult periods of her life.
“But Hayden, you were the brave one,” he wrote. “You were courageous, resilient, and so incredibly strong through so many difficult moments in your life. You should never have had to experience the things you did. I hope you know how loved you are. How many people you helped. How your vulnerability moved others.”
Shetty concluded his tribute by extending his condolences to those closest to the actress.
“My heart and prayers are with you, your daughter, your family, friends and fans. Rest in peace, Hayden.”
Panettiere appeared on the May 11 episode of “On Purpose,” shortly before the release of her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”
During the lengthy interview, the former “Guiding Light” star discussed her career, family and personal struggles. She also addressed difficult experiences she said she faced while growing up in the entertainment industry.
One story involved an incident Panettiere said occurred when she was 18. She claimed someone she “had grown to trust” led her into a room on a boat, where she found herself in a bed next to a famous man who was undressed.
Panettiere described the impact of feeling betrayed by someone she had trusted.
“When you really find somebody that you trust, you hold on to them for dear life and you feel so lucky,” she told Shetty. “So to be betrayed like that is just an awful feeling.”
Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Wladimir Klitschko Shares Tribute
Shetty wasn’t the only person close to Panettiere to share a tribute on August 18.
Her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shared their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, posted a family photo on Instagram and addressed Panettiere’s loss in a lengthy statement.
“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” Klitschko wrote. “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.”
Klitschko, 50, also reflected on Panettiere’s acting career and the challenges she encountered while working in Hollywood.
“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry,” he continued. “Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”
Klitschko and Panettiere began dating in 2009 and welcomed Kaya in 2014. Although their relationship eventually ended, Klitschko made clear that Panettiere remained an important part of his family.
Klitschko also addressed how he plans to help Kaya preserve her mother’s memory.
“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was,” Klitschko wrote. “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,” he added.
