Jonathan Jackson and the late Hayden Panettiere spent six seasons sharing the screen on “Nashville,” portraying Avery Barkley and Juliette Barnes through one of the series’ most complicated relationships. However, judging by Jackson’s emotional tribute following Panettiere’s death, the bond between the former co-stars extended well beyond their time in front of the camera.
Following Panettiere’s death at the age of 36 on August 16, 2026, Jackson reflected on their years together, the unusual experience they shared of growing up in the entertainment industry, and the friendship that developed along the way. Read on to see how the former “General Hospital” star is remembering his longtime friend and co-star.
Jonathan Jackson and Hayden Panettiere Shared More Than ‘Nashville’
Jackson and Panettiere shared the screen on “Nashville” from 2012 until the series ended in 2018. Their respective characters, Avery Barkley and Juliette Barnes, experienced an on-again, off-again relationship throughout the series.
However, playing two country musicians on “Nashville” wasn’t the only experience Jackson and Panettiere had in common. Both actors got their starts in daytime television at remarkably young ages.
Panettiere began acting as a child, portraying Sarah Roberts on “One Life to Live” beginning in 1994. She later joined “Guiding Light” as Lizzie Spaulding, a role she played from 1996 to 2000.
Jackson similarly grew up in front of daytime audiences. At just 11 years old, he joined “General Hospital” in 1993 as Lucky Spencer, the son of legendary supercouple Luke and Laura Spencer.
Unlike Panettiere, Jackson would eventually make several returns to the soap opera world, repeatedly reprising his role as Lucky over the decades. His most recent stint in Port Charles ran from 2024 to 2025.
That shared experience of beginning their careers as children ultimately became one of the things Jackson remembered most poignantly when reflecting on his friendship with Panettiere.
Jonathan Jackson Remembers a ‘Bright Light’ and ‘Sensitive Soul’
Following Panettiere’s death, Jackson took to social media to share an emotional tribute to his former “Nashville” co-star and longtime friend.
“I have no words to express the loss of our beloved Hayden,” Jackson began, remembering Panettiere as someone who “had such a bright light within her.”
Jackson described his former co-star as a “sensitive soul” who was incredibly funny and witty while possessing tremendous talent, empathy and compassion.
He also reflected on the unique connection the pair shared as two people who had spent much of their lives working in the entertainment industry.
“We both grew up in the industry, although she started even younger than me, but we shared that,” Jackson wrote, describing an unspoken understanding between them of how intense that experience could be.
Their connection extended to their years working side by side on “Nashville.”
Jackson remembered Panettiere as “an absolute joy to work with,” describing her as focused, spontaneous and brilliant. However, he suggested the most important part of their relationship was the trust they developed both as co-stars and friends.
“The most important thing between friends and coworkers is trust, and we had this,” Jackson shared.
That friendship also extended beyond the “Nashville” set. Jackson revealed that he and his wife, Elisa, loved and cherished Panettiere “like our own sister,” adding that she would always hold that place in their hearts.
Jackson also reflected on his hopes for Panettiere throughout the years they spent working together, writing that his prayer for her each day was that she would understand how deeply she was loved.
He concluded his tribute by offering prayers to Panettiere’s family before sharing one final message for his longtime friend.
“We love you Hayden. You will always be in our hearts. Always,” Jackson wrote.
‘Nashville’ Fans Are Heartbroken by Jackson’s Tribute
Jackson’s emotional message quickly resonated with viewers who had spent years watching him and Panettiere together on “Nashville.”
For some, the tribute immediately brought back memories of Avery and Juliette.
“Seriously, I loved both your chemistry on the show,” one fan wrote, adding that some of their favorite moments in television history involved the two characters.
Others admitted that Jackson was one of the first people who came to mind when news of Panettiere’s death broke.
“I thought about you when I heard. Heartbreaking,” one viewer shared.
Another fan similarly said their thoughts immediately went to the entire “Nashville” cast upon hearing the news, offering condolences to Jackson and everyone who knew and loved Panettiere.
Some viewers also referenced Panettiere’s own past comments about Jackson and the friendship they shared.
“I’ve been waiting for this one because of how highly she spoke of you in her book,” one fan commented.
Another viewer thanked Jackson for the compassion he and his wife had shown Panettiere during their years filming “Nashville,” referencing memories Panettiere had previously shared about their friendship.
For other fans, Jackson’s words simply made an already emotional loss even more difficult.
“And now for the second time today I’m crying,” one viewer wrote, offering condolences to Jackson before remembering Panettiere as “a light” and praising the pair’s work together on “Nashville.”
Another fan called Jackson’s message “beautiful words” and remembered Panettiere as “a force to be reckoned with.”
Jackson and Panettiere may have become close while portraying one of “Nashville’s” most memorable couples, but their connection clearly stretched beyond Avery and Juliette. Both understood the unusual experience of growing up in front of an audience after beginning their careers in daytime television at remarkably young ages.
Judging by Jackson’s tribute, that shared understanding developed into a friendship built on trust, compassion and love that continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. For the fans who spent years watching them together, his goodbye offered a deeply personal glimpse at the bond behind two beloved television characters.
