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!
On Tuesday, September 22, the Greenville, South Carolina Coroner’s office ruled that actress Hayden Panettiere’s death was an accident, attributing the 36-year-old’s passing to be a combination of toxic effects from fentanyl and other drugs that were in her system.
Panettiere was found unresponsive on Sunday, August 16. There have been numerous reports and sources speaking to various outlets about the manner in which the Nashville and Guiding Light alum died, but nothing was certain until now.
The Greenville County Coroner’s office shared that fentanyl, combined with 4-ANPP, Alprazolam (also known as Xanax), Methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) and Quetiapine (used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia but is sometimes prescribed to treat depression), were all found in Hayden’s system.
Photo: CBS
GUIDING LIGHT ALUM’S DEATH IS STILL UNDER AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, the Greenville Police Department shared there is still an ongoing investigation into this case. “Our detectives will continue to follow leads and gather information as we work toward resolving this case,” the department shared.
That is, because despite Panettiere’s death being ruled accidental, authorities continue investigating whether anyone might be criminally responsible for providing the star with a lethal substance. It is being shared that this is “cross-country investigation” stretching from as far as South Carolina to California.
As we previously reported, TMZ shared on September 14 that law enforcement officials believe Hayden’s “long time drug dealer” may have been the person responsible for supplying her with an oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl which she took the morning of her death.
Panettiere “had been temporarily staying” at the apartment in Greenville, the coroner’s office said in August. Authorities did not say whose apartment it was but it was said to later be an Airbnb. It was Hayden’s on-again off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother Zach who called 911 the afternoon of August 16 to say Panettiere was unresponsive, according to police reports.
Photo: ABC
HAYDEN PANETTIERE IMPRESSED IN EVERY ROLE SHE PLAYED
Soap opera fans still remember Hayden’s as a very young Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live from 1994 until 1997, and then her signature daytime role as Lizzie Spaulding on Guiding Light from 1996-2000.
She later went on to star on the Music City primetime soap opera, Nashville from 2012-2018 on ABC and CMT where she played country and western singer, Juliette Barnes opposite General Hospital alum, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer), who played her love interest, Avery Barclay.
Over this past weekend, Jackson, Charles Esten (pictured above), Connie Britton, and others from the cast of Nashville gathered for a memorial service in Hayden’s honor to pay their respects for their beloved co-star.
So, what do you think about the ruling in the death of actress Hayden Panettiere that it was an accident involving toxic effects of fentanyl combined with other drugs and medications she was taking at the time? Share your reactions via the comment section below.
General Hospital
Hayden Panettiere’s Memorial Service Attended by ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Nashville’ Alum Jonathan Jackson and More
Over the weekend, the loved ones of Hayden Panettiere (ex-Sarah, One Life to Live, ex-Lizzie, Guiding Light and ex-Juliette Barnes, Nashville et al) gathered in Malibu, California on Saturday, September 19 to honor and celebrate the late actress’ life in what has been reported by TMZ as an extremely moving memorial service just one month after her tragic death.
Attending the funeral were several of Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars and closest friends including: six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson (ex-Lucky Spencer, General Hospital, ex-Avery Barclay, Nashville), Connie Britton (ex-Rayna James), Claire Bowen (ex-Scarlett O’Connor), Lennon Stella (ex-Maddie Conrad) and Charles Esten (ex-Deacon Claybourne) who performed one of Hayden’s song from the series with a band set up at the church.
In addition to Panettiere’s Nashville co-stars, her dear friends, Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose were among the 150 or so guests, and the celebration of life was organized by Hayden’s family, including her father, Skip Panettiere.
Photo: ABC
INSIDE HAYDEN PANETTIERE’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE
The report shared that Connie Britton and Charles Esten made speeches about their late friend and colleague, and it appears guests watched as doves were released outside the church before moving inside for the ceremony in tribute to the 36-year-old star.
Hayden’s mother, Leslie Vogel was reportedly not invited to the memorial. However, she denies this according to TMZ, and shared that she had a family emergency which precluded her from making her daughter’s funeral. In addition, Hayden’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were also not invited to the memorial. It was Zach who first found Hayden unresponsive in an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina.
Page Six reported, that Hayden’s ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, and their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, were not photographed at the event.
CAUSE OF DEATH STILL UNCLEAR
Additionally, recent reports from September 14, have indicated that Hayden’s cause of death is related to her taking a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill. According to TMZ, multiple law enforcement sources connected to the case believe she took one fatal oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl the morning of her death, Sources with direct knowledge allege that Panettiere had a “long time drug dealer” in Los Angeles who provided her with several black-market prescription drugs, including oxycodone.
However on September 16, a rep for Panettiere told ENews,“As reported by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Hayden’s death remains under investigation pending the completion of toxicology results, despite reports from some outlets stating otherwise. Recent reports attributed to unnamed sources are unverified hearsay and have attributed to conflicting information that continues to circulate.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
So, are you glad to know Hayden was given a memorial service and that so many of the main cast of Nashville showed up for it? Are you saddened to hear the most updated reports on how the extremely talented actress may have died? Share your thoughts via the comment section 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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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!