Charles "Chip" Esten is paying tribute to his former "Nashville" costar Hayden Panettiere following her death.
Esten, who starred alongside Panettiere on the popular series from 2012 to 2018, recalled his first meeting with the late actress in an Instagram post featuring photos of the two.
"Patty and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden. I will never forget the first time I met her," he penned in the heartfelt post. "In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first 'Nashville' audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped
into somebody. Kinda hard. To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Paniettiere, who - in full Juliette Barnes mode - had been listening with her ear to the door."
Esten recalled how Panettiere was one of the first people to encourage him during his “Nashville” audition, listening through the door as he sang and telling him, "That was so good!!"
Afterhe landed the role, the two quickly became friends while playing the troubled Nashville musicians Deacon Claybourne and Juliette Barnes, but in Esten's words they always had fun and laughed a lot along the way.
"She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette. What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me. Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly," he wrote.
"Nashville" actressConnie Britton also honoredPanettiere in an Instagram post, saying she has "no words."
Panettiere, the actress who became a fixture in Music City, was found dead Sunday, Aug. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, a representative confirmed her death to USA TODAY. Officials in Greenville said the actor died of cardiac arrest.
According to Greenville Police, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, personnel administered medical assistance, but the woman, later identified as Panettiere, was pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation did not indicate any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. Police stated that an acquaintance of Panettiere's placed the 911 call.
"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."
Panettiere grew up in the public eye, starring in "Remember the Titans" at just 10 years old before going on to appear in the "Scream" franchise and TV series including "Heroes" and "Nashville."
She was 36.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Charles Esten remembers 'Nashville' costar Hayden Panettiere
