Charles Esten Delivers Tearful Grand Ole Opry Tribute to Late 'Nashville' Costar Hayden Panettiere

Charles Esten is honoring his former television companion with a heartfelt homage on stage. During a recent appearance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee, the actor took a quiet moment to remember his late *Nashville* costar Hayden Panettiere following her passing on August 16 at age 36. The musician, who portrayed Deacon Claybourne across six seasons of the hit country music drama, reflected on his deep connection with the actress who brought country diva Juliette Barnes to life. Addressing the audience in a now-viral TikTok video recorded during his August 22 show, Esten remembered Panettiere as an unforgettable presence who welcomed him warmly from their very first encounter. ## what did charles esten say about hayden panettiere Esten praised Panettiere as a vibrant individual who filled every room with energy. Speaking directly to the Opry crowd, he described the former child star as a bright, shining light of fireworks while reflecting on the tragic loss. He emphasized how supportive she was when they first crossed paths in Hollywood during the casting process for their show. The actor shared a sweet story from the day they first met during chemistry reads for *Nashville*. Esten recalled stepping out of the audition room only to spot Panettiere eavesdropping right at the doorway. He joked that the playful behavior was identical to something her spunky character Juliette Barnes would pull on screen. Rather than being embarrassed, Panettiere immediately applauded his reading and told him how fantastic his audition was. Esten noted that her instant kindness put him at ease during a nerve-wracking day. He added that his entire family had already been massive supporters of her long before they worked together, specifically admiring her breakout work on screen. ## did hayden panettiere play claire bennet in heroes Prior to captivating country television audiences, Panettiere became a pop-culture icon playing super-powered cheerleader Claire Bennet on the sci-fi drama series *Heroes*. Her role spawned the famous catchphrase about saving the cheerleader to save the world, solidifying her status as one of television's brightest young talents in the late 2000s. Esten joined a growing wave of former costars expressing grief over the tragic loss, including fellow *Nashville* cast member Jonathan Jackson. Fans across social media continue to share clips of Panettiere's standout musical and dramatic moments as the entertainment community remembers her enduring legacy.