Selma Blair, Bethany Joy Lenz, Viola Davis and More Pay Tribute to Late Hayden Panettiere: ‘Rest in Peace, Sweet Princess’

Breanne L. Heldman, Latoya GayleMon, August 17, 2026 at 10:23 AM UTC

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Hayden Panettiere at the ‘Scream VI’ premiere in 2023Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty -

Hayden Panettiere’s father called her “an incredible light” in a heartfelt statement following her death at 36

Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Kelly Osbourne shared emotional tributes reflecting on Panettiere’s talent and impact

Celebrities including Selma Blair and Beverley Mitchell expressed shock and grief in comments on Panettiere’s final Instagram post

Hollywood is in mourning as stars pay tribute to Hayden Panettiere, following the news on Aug. 16 that the Heroes and Nashville star had died at 36.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement. “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.”

Former co-stars, friends, and fans have also shared their memories and messages about the actress on social media.

“I can’t believe it. Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year,” Jay Shetty wrote in the comments of Variety‘s Instagram post, about Panettiere’s May appearance on his podcast, On Purpose with Jay Shetty. “My love and condolences to her family and fans.”

‘Scream’ costar Melissa Barrera pays tribute to Hayden PanettiereCredit: melissabarreram/Instagram

“💔 I love you Hayden 🕊️,” Panettiere’s Scream 4 co-star David Arquette also commented on the outlet’s post.

“Bless you and your family,” Jeremy Renner wrote in the comments of PEOPLE’s Instagram about the actress’ death.

Kurt Oberhaus shared a photo of Panettiere at the 2014 Met Gala on his Instagram Stories as he reflected on starring alongside her in a 2024 thriller.

Hayden Panettiere attends Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s New Film “Blonde” at TCL Chinese Theatre on September 13, 2022 in HollywoodCredit: Jon Kopaloff/Getty

“RIP @HaydenPanettiere 😢😢 So incredibly sad,” he wrote. “Grateful I got the chance to work with you on Amber Alert.”

Melissa Barrera was one of Panettiere’s co-stars in Scream VI and she shared, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden,” on her Instagram Stories.

Having starred together in the 2016 drama Custody,Viola Davis shared a photo alongside Panettiere and a lengthy tribute on her Instagram.

“What an amazing talent you were....so gifted. Julius and I loved working with you....an old, wise soul with such a deep heart,” Davis wrote. “I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming.”

“I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes,” Davis continued. “Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy. You will be remembered. Rest well, Hayden.”

“Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name....♥️🙏🏿🕊,” The Help star concluded.

One Tree Hill‘s Bethany Joy Lenz shared several photos taken throughout the years of her friendship with the late actress alongside a lengthy tribute.

“...I’m here with my head in my hands and I don’t know what else to do in aside from praying for her soul, which I have done and will continue,” Lenz wrote on Instagram.“I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her,” she continued.

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Lenz described Panettiere as having “astonishing” intelligence and being unlike other child stars.

Kelly Osbourne’s tribute to Hayden PanettiereCredit: kellyosbourne/Instagram

Throughout the years, she remained supportive of the late actress and “felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths. ““I don’t understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around,” Lenz continued in her tribute. “She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surrounded by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real.

“I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always,” she added.

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell shared a photo on Instagram of Panettiere in the 2006 film Bring It On: All or Nothing.

Hayden Panettiere attends the world premiere of Paramount’s “Scream VI” at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on March 06, 2023 in New York CityCredit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

“Oh my god - heartbroken #hayden 😭,” she captioned the post.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Kelly Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere on her Instagram Stories.

“We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people,” she continued.

“My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me. I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” Osbourne added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”

Singer JoJo shared her own tribute on Instagram Stories, writing, “This is such devastating news. I am so so sorry to hear of her passing. Oh. My God. 😢”

Several celebrities commented underneath Panettiere’s final photo shared on her Instagram on July 27.

The snap showed her alongside Hollywood photographer Randall Slavin.

“I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone . Please. Please,” Selma Blair commented, later adding, “I love you whale tail my friend” and “I’m dying. Please be here.”

“💔🥺,” Tia Mowry commented.

“Praying the news is wrong! You are such a bright light and soooo loved!!!!” 7th Heaven‘s Beverley Mitchell wrote.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”