Nashville star Sylvia Jefferies says Hayden Panettiere's 'inner demons' were too much to bear
Nashville star Sylvia Jefferies has penned a candid and heartbreaking tribute to Hayden Panettiere.
Sylvia Jefferies has admitted Hayden Panettiere wasn't always "easy to be around" on Nashville.
The 57-year-old star played Jolene Barnes, mother to Panettiere's character Juliette, on the hit ABC country music drama, and she has paid tribute to her on-screen daughter in a candid and poignant statement.
She wrote on Instagram: "This hits deep. I’ve had to take the day to let the idea that Hayden is not with us, wash over me. I shoot straight from the hip.
"At times, Hayden was not easy to be around. I remember calling her a downright tornado. But she was our tornado.
"The sun that appears, the light mist that begins, the rain that gets heavier, the swirling of everything around her, and then the gentle tapering rain returns, along with the calm and sun and light in her eyes, and the giggle in her voice.
"She had an incredibly bright future ahead of her, although her inner demons were at times too much to bear."
Panettiere, also known for her roles in Heroes and the Scream franchise, died on Sunday (16.08.26), after being found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, with authorities still investigating her cause and manner of death.
Since hearing the news, Sylvia has been looking back at photos and voicemails while recalling their bond on set.
She continued: "We seemed far apart, but we were very close in our hearts. Our birthdays even being one week apart. 20years (!) and one week apart.
"We reconnected a few months ago after I read her memoir, and had plans to see each other when she was passing through again. Hopefully surprising Deacon @charlesesten at his show on my birthday in Greenville."
Sylvia was "proud" of her late castmate for opening up in her book.
She said: "I was so proud of her for sharing the real Hayden, something that had to be excruciatingly painful for such a gentle soul.
"Our hearts are shattered, knowing that you are not just a phone call or text away, but we can rest easy knowing that you’re at peace, with your brother, dancing in that water with the dolphins for whom you cared so dearly.
"I love you, sweet girl. Always, in all ways. Love, Mama."
