Nashville
Connie Britton Confirms "She's In" For The Duration Of New Season Of Nashville! Official Two-Hour Premiere Tonight On CMT!
Courtesy/CMT
The official two-hour season premiere of Nashville is set to air tonight on January 5th oat 9ET/8CT on CMT! And while Nashies are about to get their fix of the music city drama, there was one big open question looming over this season. Would series star Connie Britton (Rayna) being bowing out after the first 11 episodes or so of the 22 installment fifth season?
The answer came during Wednesday’s episode of The Ellen Show, when DeGeneres was interviewing Britton previewing tonight’s premiere. When asked about the rumors that she was exiting the show early this seaon, Britton kiboshed it, stating: . “I’m in. I’m for the duration, and we’re about to start a new season.”
Connie went on to add: “It’s an exciting new season because we have new showrunners, so we have new writers and the stories I think it’s going to get us to back to what Nashville is about and what the stories and characters are, and what that town is and what the music is.”
Excited to hear Britton will star in the new full-season of Nashville? Ready for the two-hour premiere (part one was already seen by some during a special sneak preview on CMT that aired in December). Comment below!
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’ Alum Jonathan Jackson Shares Emotional Tribute to His ‘Nashville’ Leading Lady Hayden Panettiere
The entertainment world has been mourning the loss of Hayden Panettiere, who died on Sunday at the age of 36. Panettiere, who was so familiar to daytime drama fans in the roles of a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live and Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light, also starred as an adult in the primetime music city soap opera, Nashville as country and western singer, Juliette Barnes.
Panettiere’s leading man in the series, was none other than six-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital) who played musician Avery Barkley.
The actress’ death is still under investigation in Greenville, South Carolina, now calling in the DEA after the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said there was “no signs of trauma that were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” Hayden’s body was released to her family on Tuesday, August. 18. It is believed Panettiere died of an “overdose.”
Photo: ABC
WE GREW UP IN THE INDUSTRY
Jonathan Jackson took to his Instagram on Wednesday night, August 19 to share poignant words in remembrance of his Nashville co-star. “I have no words to express the loss of our beloved Hayden,” began Jackson. “She had such a bright light within her. She was a sensitive soul. Incredibly funny and witty. Amazingly gifted, with a great sense of empathy and compassion. We both grew up in the industry, although she started even younger than me, but we shared that. A silent knowing of how intense the struggles can be.”
Panetierre started in show business in 1990 at only 11-months-old, while Jackson was cast on General Hospital in 1993 as Luke (Anthony Geary) and Lauras’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky when he was 11-years-old. Jonathan drew on the parallels in their lives for his remembrance to his late former co-star.
“She was an absolute joy to work with. Focused, spontaneous and brilliant,” continued Jackson. “The most important thing between friends and coworkers is trust, and we had this. Elisa (formerly, Lisa Vultaggio) and I both love and cherish her deeply, like our own sister. She holds that place in our hearts. My prayer for her every day we worked together was that she would know how loved she is, and that she would find the peace that she was looking for.”
WE LOVE YOU, HAYDEN
Sadly, Jonathan concluded with, “It’s not possible to express the shock and grief that so many of us feel right now. Our humble prayers are with her family. May God’s angels carry you to your place of rest and true peace. We love you Hayden. You will always be in our hearts. Always.”
Nashville ran for four seasons from 2012-2016 on ABC, and then moved to CMT for its final two seasons from 2016-2018. The actors on the show could also sing and like Jackson, Hayden had a powerful singing voice that was showcased in the series as well as her undeniable acting chops.
Michael Fairman TV previously shared more of Panettiere’s Guiding Light and Nashville co-star tributes here.
So, what did you think of Jonathan Jackson’s very touching tribute to Hayden Panettiere? Did you love them as Juliette and Avery on Nashville? What have you thought about the ongoing investigation into Hayden’s death? Share your thoughts via the comment section.
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UPDATED: Hayden Panettiere, the original Lizzie Spaulding of Guiding Light, and one of the leading stars of ABC’s country music drama Nashville, has died at the age of 36. According to a report on Sunday night, August 16 from TMZ, who broke the news of Hayden’s passing. Panettiere was also well-known for her role in the primetime series Heroes.
Sources close to the situation have told the outlet that Panettiere died on Sunday, although details of her death are still undisclosed, there is a current ongoing investigation into the matter. Brian Hickerson’s, Panetierre’s on-again off-again boyfriend and her flew from Los Angeles to South Carolina on Saturday. They reported, it’s a “sad situation.”
Now, in the early hours of Monday, morning August 17, new details have emerged that first responders and paramedics responded to a call from a friend (not confirmed at this time it was Brian Hickerson) at a home in Greenville, South Carolina at 1:51pm who said that Panettiere was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest.
Photo: CBS
PARAMEDICS CALLED TO THE SCENE
According to the outlet, first responders attempted to resuscitate Panettiere using “advanced cardiac life support.” In addition to CPR, this involved special medicines, breathing tubes and heart rhythm tracking. Parademics could not bring Hayden back to life and at 2:32pm, they called her death.
The Greenville County coroner is set to perform an autopsy Monday to determine a cause and manner of death and at present there is no indication that foul play was involved. According to dispatch audio, paramedics are called it an “overdose,” and “cardiac arrest.”
Meanwhile, the actress’ father, Skip Panettiere offered a up this statement to ABC News. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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.” Her father asked for privacy “as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.”
Courtesy/ABC
FROM HER EARLY YEARS ON ONE LIFE TO LIVE AND GUIDING LIGHT TO HEROES AND NASHVILLE
Panettiere began her career at a very young age with roles on television and film including her Daytime Emmy-nominated role as the original Lizzie Spaulding, the daughter of Phillip (Grant Aleksander) and Beth Raines (Beth Chamberlin) on CBS’ Guiding Light. It’s a part she played from December 1996 until 2000. Before Guiding Light, Hayden also appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live as Sarah Roberts, the daughter of Cord (John Loprieno) and Tina Lord Roberts (then played by Krista Tesreau) from 1994-1997, and right up until she left to go to Guiding Light.
In primetime, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes (2006-2010) and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville where she starred opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson’s (ex-Lucky) role of Avery Barkley. Nashville ran for six seasons on ABC and them moved over to CMT for two final seasons (2012-2018).
In films, Hayden also starred in: Remember the Titans (2000), Raising Helen (2004), Ice Princess (2005) and as Kirby Reed in three ‘Scream’ franchise films including: Scream 4 (2011), and cameos in its sequel Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), to name but a few. Early on her film career, Panettiere, was the voice of Princess Dot in 1998’s A Bug’s Life.
Throughout her career, Panettiere earned Golden Globes, Critics Choice Television Awards, Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards for her role in Nashville. Her performance in Heroes landed her Teen Choice nomination and a Young Artist Award. She also won a Young Artist Award for her role in Remember the Titans.
Photo: JPI
HAYDEN PANETTIERE RELEASED MEMOIR EARLIER IN 2026
Back on May 19, 2026, Hayden released a memoir titled This Is Me: A Reckoning, which talked about her struggles from childhood to adulthood in front of the camera and off including her battles with alcohol and pill addiction, postpartum depression and more.
Sadly, Hayden’s brother Jansen Panettiere (pictured above), died suddenly back in February 2023 from cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications. He was only 28 at the time of his death. Hayden told PEOPLE that she would never be able to get over her brother’s death, citing, “No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
Panettiere is the mother to one child, her daughter Kaya Klitschko, 11, whom she had in December of 2014 with her ex-fiancé, heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
This is a developing story and Michael Fairman TV will provide updated information and details on the passing of Hayden Panettiere as they become available.
Now below, share your thoughts and prayers to the Panettiere family and your remembrances of Hayden via the comment section below.
The Music City soap opera is back featuring notables, Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer, General Hospital) and Hayden Panettiere (ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light), when its returns now to its new home AXS TV. The cable network is now set to rebroadcast all six seasons of the country music drama originally on ABC.
Nashville kicks-off on AXS TV on Monday, September 30th and airs weekdays and weeknights at 2pm ET and 11pm ET. The show, which debuted back in 2012, a brings to life the tremendous highs and devastating lows of the cutthroat Country scene, as a group of artists struggle and strive to make their way in the town known as Music City. The series stars Connie Britton as Country Queen Rayna Jaymes, an industry icon fighting to stay on top as a new generation of up-and-coming musicians – led by talented but troubled songstress Juliette Barnes (Panettiere) – light up the charts.
GH’s Jonathan Jackson played by Avery Barclay, Charles Esten played Deacon, Claire Bowen played Scarlett and Eric Close played Teddy Conrad, plus more were in the standout cast. Nashville aired on ABC from 2012-2016, and then was picked up by CMT for its final two season through 2018.
Photo: ABC
In addition to its captivating plots and unforgettable performances, Nashville brings the realism to life with special guest appearances by an impressive roster of Country music megastars including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, and Trisha Yearwood, among others; as well as rock trailblazers Steven Tyler and Elton John; pop standouts Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson; and many more.
Greg Drebin, AXS TV’s Head of Content and Marketing said in a statement, “As the premier destination for music-themed content, Nashville is a perfect addition to our network. With its unique blend of world-class storytelling and talent, with real life music legends and musical performances, we are confident that Nashville will be a huge hit with our audience. The addition of Nashville is another significant step in our strategy to enhance AXS TV for both viewers and advertisers.”
AXS TV is a leading television, streaming, digital, and social music and entertainment brand owned and operated by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. AXS TV’s programming celebrates music’s rich history and keeps its audience current on what’s happening in music today with non-fiction docs, live concerts, music news and information, reality shows, and well known programs including The Big Interview with Dan Rather and The Top Ten Revealed. AXS TV is also home to TNA Wrestling, one of the world’s top wrestling brands. Multi-platform AXS TV is available on television in all 50 states and across Canada, parts of the Caribbean, and streaming through its FAST (free-ad-supported-streaming television) channel. AXS TV has a vast reach on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. For a full list of providers and territories, please visit axs.tv/subscribe.
Are you looking forward to seeing Jonathan Jackson, Hayden Panettiere, Connie Britton and more in this encore of Nashville? Comment below.
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Yes! Yes! Yes! Great news. Really looking forward to the new season.
They must have paid her what she was asking. New writers compelled me…indeed…not buying that load!!
Yes! Can’t wait to watch tonight!
Thrilled that she’s staying but not thrilled with the new adaptation so far…much preferred the ABC version. Hoping it’ll get better; the writers (from their other shows) are great so my expectations were high.
The show was much better written–cohesive and compelling storytelling. I am much encouraged–and delighted to see the new producers. Characters presented in a more positive and upbeat manner. Sounds promising. I will watch this season.
Nancy…I just saw your comment regarding the “new” Nashville! “Characters presented in a more positive and upbeat manner”…what!!!??? LOL. It’s been nothing but gloom and doom in the first two episodes. Juliette is in a deep depression, Scarlett is depressed over Gunner, Gunner is frustrated about it, Rayna is soul searching and lost, Deacon doesn’t have confidence in himself, Maddie was once again pissed at her sister, Will is once again conflicted..there was not ONE character who was upbeat! I have no idea what you were watching…
I’m still a great supporter of the show and thrilled it’s back and Connie is staying for the season..but it’s not been “upbeat” in any sense of the word.
Yes, you read correctly rebecca,1, the show is upbeat because it leaves much room for HOPE. Deacon and Rayna love each other–he flew all that way because he was worried. Juliette is ALIVE (OMG–if that’s not hopeful, I don’t know what is??!!!!)–and she is SEARCHING for some meaning as to why she is alive–and the story indicates that she WILL find it. Scarlett may have initially been depressed BUT she went home and talked it through with Gunner–isn’t that HOPEFUL? Maddie apologized for treating her sister badly–and is writing with her–isn’t that HOPEFUL? Aren’t we all conflicted? That what drama (and life) is all about? And the story arc looks hopeful to me. Will has been through a lot and possibly come through with some acquired wisdom–isn’t that what we ALL strive for? And isn’t that HOPEFUL?
I guess we all see what we wish to see–and I see hope–and, as I said, more compelling–and, yes, upbeat OUTCOMES.
What show were YOU watching, you asked me. Guess I’ll just ask you the same.
And, aren’t you excited about the new producers–the same on that produced a wonderfully successful show (s)?
Well, in an interview the congenial actor that plays Deacon says in HE’S excited (and he sounded VERY UPBEAT and HOPEFUL. That counts for a lot in my book.
And Hayden P. (who plays Juliette sounded very positive and UPBEAT about the show on Harry Connick’s show AND Good Morning, America.
Well first let me say I find Harry’s show totally boring. Watched it twice and that was it for me.
Second…drama is not the same as upbeat. Upbeat is happy, fun, playful, cheerful…The show, at this point, is none of these. We already knew all these couples loved/love each other. Nothing new there. We already knew Juliette would be alive. The story opened and everything/everyone was dark. Rayna was depressed and had to find herself, Juliette was understandably shaken and depressed, too. Maddie, even though the ABC show ended with her coming back to her family and embracing them all (including her sister) was suddenly morose and nasty to her sister, again, for the majority of the episode. Gunner and Scarlett, again when we last left off on ABC, were back in love…suddenly…she was doubting him again. We barely saw Avery other than him wheeling Juliette around. Now, yes, this can all be good drama. But…in ONE episode? That’s how they chose to premiere the new version? I found it “heavy”. No happiness to be found.
Second episode was bit better but I found the gushy too-much repetitive talk between Rayna and Deacon boring and sappy. Will? Nothing’s changed with him. He was lusting and missing his boyfriend on ABC…now that he got him back he’s tempted and conflicted over his attraction for the designer. When we left them on ABC they were happy and getting back together and suddenly Will’s back to internal conflict.
I don’t enjou seeing Juliette having some sort of religious revelation. LOL..just not the sort of story I enjoy. I want the show that I loved on the ABC version…friendship, community, joy of music, collaboration…loved seeing Avery, Scarlett and Gunner making music together, loved seeing Will in the house interacting with them, loved Rayna and her manager, Avery in the bar he worked at…just “the scene.” I MISS Will! I loved his character. And, as I said in my post…the entire Nashville scene was very inviting. Sense of community; everyone knew each other, interacted…a very tight knit microcosm.
I also said, yes, I love the writers. I know they’ve done some very good work and I anticipated loving their version. I’m not giving up. I’m “hoping” that the show will get back to the characters, including the town, “Nashville” that held its allure for me. I find it, so far, too much soapy melodrama…and the characters not as I remember them.
Oh, and of course Charles Esten (Deacon) is going to say positive things about the show. He’s on it! LOL…they go on talk shows to promote their shows. Part of the job…
Well, it seems that Connie Britton lied to us, see her quote above. Its Feb.24th and Rayna is gone and so am I! I was thrilled that they renewed for another season, but without Rayna’s character, it will not be the same. I felt she was the star , and all the other characters revolved around hers. Juliette is getting a little better, but still the same pain in the ass. Scarlet is a little two timing twit, throwing her disloyalty in Gunnar’s face and Maddie is , well I don’t have enough words to describe her or her behavior towards her mother, sister and Deacon, the dad she desperately wanted to know and be with. The only ones I will miss are Johnathon Jackson and Charles Eaten.
I agree with a lot of what you said Viotlett…but the show is actually picking up again. Perhaps give it another chance? I, too, am very disappointed that Connie left the show…and REALLY bad timing considering they’re just trying to get off the ground of CMT. If you read my comment above I was beyond disenchanted with the show. For some reason I’m sticking with it, for now. I’ll see how it goes.
I still miss Luke (though Will Chase/the actor, is currently on a new show Time After Time…just saw him so that was nice, but, LOL, not Luke) and I HATE the gospel/church story and Juliette’s new “angel.” Nice character but I just don’t see her fitting into the show.
What I HATED was Scarlett telling Gunnar a few weeks ago that she “didn’t feel anything for him” which was out-of-character and out-of-the-blue. Silly, and I expected more from these two excellent writers.
Still and all, the last two weeks episodes were compelling. If they can cut the whole gospel story and bring Juliette back to herself…I think the show can carry on without Rayna. (not liking it…but still doable.)
Rebecca, thanks for your reply, but I really liked what you had to say in your previous comment you made, before answering mine. There was not one thing I couldn’t agree with. I’ve read the spoilers, and really don’t want to see the younger sister’s dad, who has been in prison and his former sister-in-law try taking the girls away from Deacon, who the girls love and want to be with. I just can’t stay interested in Juliette, who is still acting entitled , etc, etc, and Jonathan putting up with her crap treating him like another one of her gophers. I will give it a little time, and try again, based on your reply to me. It was encouraging, thanks!
Hey Violet, I still stand by my previous comments but I’ve added to them! 😉
I actually like Teddy (little sister Daphne’s dad). First, I like the actor. Second…I feel he got the short end of the stick. He was always a good guy, he loved Rayna, he loved his daughters, he raised Maddie as his own and loved her soooo much! I actually felt bad when Maddie left him in the dust for Deacon! Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Deacon! Cant’ say enough positive about this great-looking guy/character. And, I’m glad the truth came out and he and Maddie have a close relationship. But, it shouldn’t have been to the exclusion of Teddy. He and Maddie were close; had a great father/daughter relationship before she found out. Seemed odd to me that she would turn cold to him. She could have loved both dads; had a relationship with both. As for Rayna, Teddy agreed to marry her knowing Rayna loved Deacon more. He agreed to raise her daughter as his own. So, again, I felt bad for him when she left him. In his despair, he sort of took a wrong turn.
I don’t hate Rayna’s sister but she was never too gripping a character.
If you haven’t watched the episode yet…Rayna’s funeral…do so with an open heart and mind toward Teddy… 🙂 (Yeah, I know it’s a show but I can’t help it; I’m a softie!) If you do decide to watch it and you feel so inclined, get back to me here. I’d be curious to know what you think.
Rebecca, thanks so much for this reply, trying to help me see the other side of Teddy. I did like him a lot in the beginning, and I have to say, everything you say is true. I guess I could only see Deacon’s side, not only losing Rayna, but now having to face maybe losing the girls, as well. I have not been able to watch the funeral yet, but I will try and bring myself to do it. Maybe , once I get that under my belt, I’ll be able to continue watching. With all the Soaps I watch, I should be able to watch this, but somehow it was so disheartening and unexpected. I was totally shocked by Rayna’s death. I guess I’m a bigger softey , than I thought. Thanks again Rebecca, it’s been so nice and helpful “talking” with you.
You’re welcome, Violet! Thanks for being open. I can almost guarantee you’ll like the next two episodes; the funeral and last night’s episode. Very touching, heartwarming, gripping. More like the show we loved and I think the writing was excellent, as was the acting.
Lemme know!