Hayden Panettiere made emotional comment about her ‘mini-me’ daughter weeks before death aged 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere made a heartwarming remark about her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, just weeks before her death, aged 36.
The family of the Hollywood favourite, famous for appearing in the likes of Hereos, Nashville, and Bring It On: All or Nothing, announced via ABC News that she had died.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” a statement from her father, Skip Panettiere, read.
“She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her—and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
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Skip requested privacy for himself and the rest of his daughter’s family so that they may ‘take time to process [the] unimaginable loss’.
Her cause of death has not been revealed. The New York Times reported that she died in South Carolina.
Police in Greenville, South Carolina, reported that an 'acquaintance' of the actress placed a 911 call but emergency services who attended were unable to save her.
Hayden Panettiere’s relationship with daughter
The American, who earned her first acting credit at just 11 months old, is succeeded by her daughter, whom she welcomed with her former fiancé and Ukrainian heavyweight boxer, Wladimir Klitschko, 50.
The pair met in 2009 and began dating soon after. They split in 2011, rekindled their romance in 2013 and eventually got engaged but never married.
Hayden gave up custody of Kaya in 2018 amid her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, with the sportsman stepping in to raise the tween.
"It wasn't a decision I made lightly, nor was it a decision I even wanted to make,” she informed Momé as part of her July cover.
“I was going through a really challenging time in my life… I knew I needed to be able to put her first so that I could get the help I needed and be the mom she needed me to be.”
In a Red Table Talk, she claimed granting Klitschko custody was ‘the most heartbreaking thing [she had] ever, ever had to do in [her] life.”
Meanwhile, she told podcaster Jay Shetty in May that ‘the idea that anyone would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking and couldn't be further from the truth’.
Despite not living in close proximity to her offspring, the ‘Wake Up Call’ singer maintained a close bond with her up until her death.
"I love my daughter, and I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming,” she informed the publication.
“I talk to her all the time, and I feel so connected to her. She's like a mini-me.”
When asked what her idea of a ‘good mother’ was, Panettiere added: “A good mom is someone who loves their child unconditionally, puts them first, tries to live by example, and always lets them know that they're rooting for them — no matter what.
“Someone they can turn to in any season of their life, without judgment.”
Tributes pour in for Hayden Panettiere
Fans and celebrities alike have paid tribute to the two-time Golden Globe-nominated star, including Cruel Intentions’ Selma Blair, who wrote: "I love you. Don't be gone. Please.”
“I love you whale tail my friend, I’m dying. Please be here.”
“This is such devastating news. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh My God,” wrote singer Jojo.
Meanwhile, Scream’s Melissa Barrera wrote: “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” followed by a broken heart emoji.
Shetty added: “I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans
Marvel actor Jeremy Renner wrote: “Bless you and your family.”
Ella Scott