Inside Hayden Panettiere’s moving memorial in Malibu attended by Connie Britton and more stars
Hayden Panettiere’s loved ones gathered in Malibu, California, on Saturday to celebrate the late actress’ life at a moving memorial one month after her tragic death.
The “Nashville” alum’s former co-star Connie Britton and more celebrities were spotted at the star-studded event, including Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose.
In photos obtained by Page Six, Britton, 59, appeared somber as she approached the church venue.
According to the outlet, Britton made a speech, as did her and Panettiere’s fellow “Nashville” cast member Charles Esten.
Esten, 61, reportedly performed one of Panettiere’s songs from the show — and more “Nashville” alums were present, from Lennon Stella to Jonathan Jackson.
Doves were released outside ahead of the ceremony, which TMZ heard from a source was “emotional and beautiful.”
A sign inside the church featured a throwback snap of swimsuit-clad Panettiere smiling on a boat, along with the words: “Honoring the life & legacy [of] Hayden Panettiere. 8.21.89 – 8.16.26.”
The memorial was organized by Hayden’s family, including her father, Skip Panettiere, per TMZ, and about 150 people attended.
An insider told the outlet Hayden loved the ocean and whales, so a coastal location was important for her loved ones.
Reps for Panettiere, Britton and Esten did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.
Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, and their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, were not photographed at the event.
Just one day after news of Hayden’s death, Klitschko took to Facebook to mourn his ex.
“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,” he wrote.
The former professional boxer also shared a heartfelt message via Instagram on Aug. 21, which would have marked the actress’ 37th birthday. In the post, he asked fans to remember the late star by reconnecting with a friend, offering forgiveness and showing kindness.
Insiders told TMZ that Hayden’s mom, Lesley Vogel, and the “Nashville” star’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, were not invited to the memorial. While Vogel denied this, she told TMZ she did not attend the event due to a family emergency.
Brian and his brother Zach were both present when the “Heroes” alum died of an apparent overdose on Aug. 16 at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina. She was 36.
According to a heavily redacted report obtained by Page Six, Zach was “very emotional” while emergency medical services professionals “were working on [Hayden].”
Brian, meanwhile, “did not become emotional” until she was officially declared dead.
The former child star and Brian first met in 2018 and had a tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship. He’s been arrested multiple times for domestic violence against Hayden, which she candidly wrote about in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”
A source exclusively told Page Six that Hayden reconnected with Brian about two weeks before her sudden death.
When asked at a gas station on Wednesday how he’s holding up after his ex’s passing, Brian shot back, “How do you think I’m doing?”
As for Hayden’s mom, the two had an estranged relationship in the years leading up to her death, which she also wrote about in her memoir, released in May.
During an interview with “Good Morning America” last month, Vogel claimed their relationship was strained because Hayden went back to Brian.
Vogel, notably, has been vocal about her animosity towards Brian, claiming he is somehow involved in her daughter’s death.
Hayden’s death is currently under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Though officials found “no signs of foul play,” investigators are reportedly honing in on Hayden’s Los Angeles drug dealer, thanks to a “slew of” incriminating text messages.
TMZ reported Monday that the Golden Globe nominee died of a single fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill, though her official cause of death is not known yet.