Nashville
NASHVILLE Series Finale Goes Out On A High Note In An Emotional Farewell
After six seasons (four on ABC and two on CMT), Nashville ended its run with a sentimental, heart-tugging wrap-up in its final episode last night. Like any great soap opera, it’s all about those wonderfully rich characters that the audience has come to fall in love with; whether they be the good guys, the bad, or somewhere in between. What was touching about the finale is that many characters lives ended on a happy note, or came full-circle.
Through creator Callie Khouri’s vision for six seasons, we came to love and care about Deacon, Avery, Juliette, Will and so many others, and of course, Rayna James. And on the final installment, Connie Britton did make one final appearance as the late Rayna with her longtime music city scene partner, Charles Esten, that so many Nashies were hoping for before the final curtain came down.
So here’s what happened and where it all ended up, as we now imagine what these characters lives will be like, unless as now rumored, Khouri puts together a Nashville 2.0 spinoff.
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
Maddie (Lennon Stella) and Twig (Dylan Arnold) are in the recording studio. He wants to be her everything. She feels pressured. In a conversation with Scarlett (Claire Bowen), she reveals she is just trying to get over her bust up with Jonah and doesn’t know if she can be in a relationship right now. Later at this advice from Scarlett: “The only thing you need to do is honor what you’re feeling at the moment,” Maddie sits down with Twig and breaks the news over coffee! “You need someone who can put you at the center of their universe,” says Maddie. “What if I said I would take you as you are?” Twig replies. To which Maddie lowers the boom, “I would say you deserve so much more.” Twig is devastated. Maddie is emancipated.
Then we come to Maddie’s sister, Daphne (Maisy Stella). It’s the finals of Nashville’s Next Country Star. Daphne has got her work cut out for her, because of sexy frontrunner Jenny Lee. Brad (Jeff Nordling) has set Daphne up to lose by giving her a song that is far from her comfort song to perform. She flips it on him when it is time for her to go live. Daphne does her rendition of the tune with her guitar, stripped-down and soulful. The crowd goes wild. However in the end, Jenny Lee is named the winner. Backstage, Daphne cries in Deacon’s (Charles Esten) arms, but then … Ilse (Daphne’s coach on Nashville’s Next Country Star) is making goo-goo eyes at Deacon, and asks him if he would like to write with her when he comes home from his tour? Scarlett, Daphne, and Maddie look on and notice the spark. Could this be Deacon’s true new love interest?
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
Gunnar (Sam Palladio) and Avery (Jonathan Jackson) play pool and in a nice touch which harkens back to six-years-ago on the series. Gunnar says, “You were a total tool,” recalling that Avery was a snotty, bad dude when he first came to town. Will (Chris Carmack) and Gunnar want to get The Last Highways together, if they can just convince Avery to put the past behind him and move forward. Apparently, all is well, and they put the band back up on its feet.
Now, we come to the #MeToo socially relevant topic of the day, part of the last episode, where we finally learn Alannah’s (Rainee Blake) plan to nail Brad as the womanizing, power abuser, egotistical bastard he is, and how he uses his company and his status in the biz to lure woman to do “favors” for him. In her hotel room after her performance, Brad calls and says there is a par-tay going down in his room with lots of people and to join them. She heads over to find him alone and lascivious. When he tries to plant a wet lip-lock on her, she slaps him. He fires back: “The man helps the woman and the woman helps the man,” and that Alannah violated their “implicit contract.” And that means of course, she will never work again in this town.
A few days later, Brad gets the shock of his life when in walks to his office at Shiny New Records, Deacon, Alannah and Zach (Cameron Scoggins)! The trio announces their plans to purchase his company for $15 million dollars. He laughs them off, but our smart gal, Alannah recorded the whole incident in the hotel room and has his voice on tape, which she happily plays it back for him. Then, to add an exclamation point on the proceedings, getting off the elevator are countless women who have all been harassed by Brad including his on-again off-again wife, Jessie (Kaitlin Doubleday), who adds, “And I want full custody of Jake (their son), too!”
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
How do we wrap up the other greatest and tortured love story of Nashville, with two of our favorite actors, who got their starts on the soaps, and who made Javery a couple to root for through the good and the bad? Of course, we are talking about Jonathan Jackson and Hayden Panettiere. Now together in one piece, and grounded from her experiences with the cult, and with a new lease on life, Juliette has sold her house for a farm 30 minutes outside of Nashville. Avery knows there is something he is not telling her. Avery finds Juliette’s savior and bestie. Hallie (Rhiannon Giddens) at the recording studio and when prompted she tells him that Juliette is pregnant with his kid, again! Next scene, Avery confronts Juliette. She admits it’s true, and she was going to tell him but did not want to trap him, because she loves him and wants to be with him, but only if he wants her too and, “Not because you feel like you need to save me or that you’re worried about me. But because you’re worried about yourself without me.” Duly-noted by Avery, but he exits.
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
And then we get to the crescendo of the finale, as Juliette sings on her keyboard alongside her stilettos, the moving boxes, et al. While the emotion of the song plays out, the show intercuts the action and brings us to a flash-forward in time. This was done effectively on the series finale of One Life to Live and Guiding Light, among others soaps, that have to say their goodbyes. In Nashville time it’s a “few months later” and we see how everyone’s life is shaping up: Daphne has signed her first record contract! Will is hand in hand with a boyfriend and it’s Zach. Jessie has full custody of her son and they are eating popcorn and watching a scary movie together. Maddie moved into her own place. Alannah’s career is taking off opening for The Lumineers. The Last Highways hold an album release party, with … of course, screaming fangurls!
Then it’s time to grab the hankies … we see Juliette with baby bump hanging out on her farm with Cadence on the swing set, and walking towards her is Avery with a large suitcase. He begins with, “Juliette, I need you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He adds, “And if you would ….” she cuts him off. “Yes,” she says. They embrace and kiss as Cadence yells, “Daddy!” And there you have it … Javery is together at last!
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
The show’s last season largely centered around Deacon. And in the last installment, it is Rayna who comes to him when he must make the decision whether to embrace his father who is longing to make peace with his son, or hold on to old grudges. As Deacon’s career has taken off again as he is now headlining his own tour, Gideon (Ronny Cox) has come to see his son perform and comes backstage to see him, which takes Deacon aback. He goes to his dressing room where in a ghost/ flashback experience, he recalls Rayna on their wedding night. “Is this real?” he whispers, Deacon is worried that after all the mistakes and regrets that kept them apart for so long, and caused them so much pain, that things can’t work themselves out. But the wise Rayna says. “Sometimes somebody gets into your bloodstream. It doesn’t matter how much we’ve failed each other. We must choose each other. And I choose you exactly the way you are. And I’m going to love you forever… and ever and ever.”
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
Deacon is in tears, but it’s time to hit the stage. Now, feeling reassured that he should give his father a chance (thanks to Rayna from the great beyond), he realized that forgiving his father would not make him weak or less than, but would strengthen his family. Deacon tells the audience he wants to bring someone special up on-stage with him, his dad, Gideon Claybourne. From the audience, Gideon is shocked and honored. Gideon straps on a guitar and Deacon begins to play and then whispers to his dad, “Do you know this song?” To which Gideon, replied, “Son, I know all your songs.” Hankies!
Photo: Mark Levine/CMT
And then came the final note after six years of songs, and so much drama. As Deacon and Gideon begin to perform the song, “A Life That’s Good”, all the characters begin to walk out on stage and join them singing in unison, but we soon realize the show has broken the fourth wall, and now we are watching the true swan song with the cast past and present, the crew, the executive producers, Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz, and at the center of it all, Callie Khouri who says, “I want to thank the city of Nashville.” She adds “The beautiful people of Nashville. The incredible cast and crew — the family that we’ve made. And may we all have a life that’s good. And that’s a wrap.” What a touching and honest way to say goodbye.
So, how would you grade the series finale of Nashville? What did you think of how things were left for your favorite characters? What was your favorite moment in the last episode? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. But first check out the heartfelt thanks from the cast of Nashville in the video below, followed by three of the heart-tugging scenes from the finale.
Loved the ending concert with all the stars and co-stars taking bows and being recognized. I wanted Maddie to keep Twig and Will deserved better than Zach. But overall I’ve seen much worse finales. I just wish the show could have made 1 or 2 more seasons. There’s something special and homey about NASHVILLE and I’ll miss it. Kudos to wonderful actors, especially Sam Palladio, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, and the luminous Connie Britton. And to Callie Khouri for an original and creative series idea…for a change!
Hey Soaphound!
Haven’t read your comment because as I mentioned a while back I missed the whole season! Hoping it’ll be available on DVD at the library soon so IF I get to see it I’ll shoot you a message so we can mourn the loss of the series together…
🙂
I look forward to that, rebecca1. Overall, the season took a few too many unnecessary turns for me. Not enough songs/performances, Gunnar’s ridiculous hairdo, Scarlett’s savior routine…But I still enjoyed it and the actors’ fine work, especially Chris Carmack and young Maisy Stella. This year’s fall TV schedule is less than promising..more game shows, reality trash, and mean-spirited cop/FBI/conspiracy shows. I doubt we’ll see another NASHVILLE again. Talk to you soon!
Probably the best finale I’ve ever seen in a series. Loved seeing everyone on the stage together. Nashville will be missed.
All I can hope is that there is a Nashville 2.0
One of my favorite shows bites the dust, but I enjoyed what there was of it. I would have enjoyed the finale more, if more things were tied up. Would have likñed to see Deacon with someone, other than his dead wife’s memory and a little googly eyes from Daphne’s teacher. I also wanted a better ending for Scarlet, hoping she and Gunner would end up together. Just saw the back of her as she walked away with, I have no idea whom, but it was a big let down. I had no doubt that Avery and Juliette would reunite. Too bad her character was so wasted all that time she was away with the clan, fighting her demons, but I think she was also healing and dealing with her postpartum depression. I remember the little precocious,blonde, curly haired, Hayden, as Lizzie Spaulding on GL. Good luck to everyone on the show, and God speed.
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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