‘You will never be forgotten’: Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé shares heartbreaking tribute on what would be her 37th birthday
Hayden Panettiere’s former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko has shared an emotional tribute to the actress on what would have been her 37th birthday.
The former heavyweight boxing champion, who shared an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with Panettiere, said the day was being marked very differently from what had been planned.
“Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” he wrote on X.
“I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support.
“At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”
Panettiere died on August 16 at the age of 36 after she was found unresponsive in a residence in Greenville, South Carolina.
Emergency crews attempted to revive the Heroes and Nashville star after she was found in cardiac arrest, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her official cause and manner of death remain under investigation, with authorities reporting no initial signs of foul play.
Klitschko encouraged Panettiere’s fans to honour her memory by showing compassion to others.
“If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind,” he wrote.
“Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”
Klitschko and Panettiere began dating in 2009 and became engaged in 2013 before welcoming Kaya the following year.
The couple ended their relationship in 2018 but remained closely connected through their daughter. Around the same time, Panettiere ceded full custody of Kaya to Klitschko to focus on her battles with alcohol and substance abuse.
The retired Ukrainian boxer raised Kaya from that point, while Panettiere remained an “important” part of both their lives.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on 7news.com.au — the content belongs to 7NEWS Australia.
