Nashville
NASHVILLE SHOCKER: Connie Britton Bids Farewell To Rayna James!
Courtesy/CMT
After all the reports if Connie Britton was on for the full 22-episode season of Nashville on CMT, or only for the first half, it turned out after last night’s heartbreaking episode that Rayna took her last breath, and Britton made her official exit for the series leaving devastated #Nashies from coast to coast!
On last night’s episode, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” after being held at knifepoint by a crazed stalker, a car crash and emergency surgery, Rayna unexpectedly slipped away. Look for Rayna to appear in flashbacks in two more episodes, before Britton is gone completely from the canvas.
Britton took to Instragram to address her departure from the series which was entirely her decision: Thank you Rayna Jaymes. For your magic and your dignity. And thank you to all the creators of Rayna Jaymes, for there were many. Callie Khouri, who gave her life. Deacon, Maddie, Daphne, who shaped her as her family. Teddy, Tandy, Lamar too. Juliette, Scarlett, Bucky and the ones who crafted her into a business woman. Along with countless other compatriots and combatants. And then of course the crew of “Nashville” who brought her to life, every crew member in every department who made Rayna live each week.
And then there’s the music. T Bone, Buddy, Tim, Frankie and all the brilliant songwriters who gave Rayna a voice. There was no music, and no Rayna, without you. But finally and most importantly, the fans. You made Rayna. You supported her and loved her and gave her inspiration just as she was able to inspire you. You were the energy source, the power behind her heart and soul and life. Rayna lived for you. And, from the depths of my heart, I thank you, for her and for me. It has been an honor to be a part of that creation. And as I know she would want it, the show must, and will go on. Long live Rayna Jaymes. #RIPRayna #NashvilleCMT”
Connie told The Hollywood Reporter that her exit scenes were so emotionally difficult: “It was incredibly emotional. It was very difficult for me and it still is. It’s hard for me to talk about without getting a little choked up [pauses] … because I love this character so much and the people I’ve been fortunate to act with for the last five years and our crew. This has become an essential part of my life. It was really tough doing those last couple weeks especially. Those scenes were so emotional. Toward the last couple days, which is when we shot the really intense scenes in the ICU and the one where Rayna actually dies, nobody could get through them without crying. Saying goodbye is really hard.”
News on Thursday also has Britton landing her first major role post Nashville. She has signed on to star in The Land of Steady Habits. Netflix’s ensemble comedic drama that adapts the Ted Thompson novel. Britton will play a divorcee who develops a connection with Mendelsohn’s character, first meeting him in a strip club.
So what do you think of a Nashville without Connie Britton? Did you watch the heartbreaking final death scenes of Rayna? Were you shocked? Comment below!
I am really going to miss Rayna on one of my favourite nighttime shows. I loved her character and especially her and Deacons love story! I looked forward to Thursday night and was so happy when CMT picked up this amazing show. I know this show will go on and continue to be fantastic but Rayna will occupy a space that no one will replace in my heart and in Deacons!!!
Right now, the shock still fresh, I can’t picture the show being as good without Rayna/Connie. But I will still keep watching. I just hope this won’t be an excuse to have more of that obnoxious Matty taking front and center. We need more musical performances and a new country diva. And let Gunnar keep his hair…those ridiculous shaved side cuts rarely look good on anyone!
It won’t survive. It seemed not so very gracious to court the audience to come to Nashville’s rescue and help it not to be cancelled and to go to CMT this season–then to pull the rug out from under the loyal viewers. And I must say that Connie’s earlier comments were misleading to the audience–not cricket. And I found myself so very upset and angry as I watched the show unfold.
And I have seen it happen again and again–the lack of objectivity on the part of the people involved in a show. It’s happened again here unfortunately. Really, the show went off the rails after the first season and never found its footing again. It was like trying to revive a dead horse.
I guess “they” just don’t see that Rayna’s character, along with that of the wonderful Charles Esten’s character Deacon, was the heart of the show.
Now it has nothing/no one to hold it together. I predict it will collapse from within and that the ratings will drop dramatically. I, for one, am NOT interested with the bratty older child. And what will Deacon do? No one on the show will have the chemistry Esten had with Britton. Such a waste! He is so very talented. If he made a whole album I would listen to it. He’s paid his dues and he deserves better. Hope he find an insanely successful show to go to. I will not watch Nashville again.
The Hayden P. character is too self centered for me to care for her. And Jonathan Jackson, another talented character is wasted, has no chemistry with Hayden, and is sidelined to listening to her whine and carrying/tending to the baby–for how many seasons has this been going on. So sad! Sometimes TPTB cannot see the forest for the trees. The show will pay dearly. I read the interview where Connie said she would have wanted the marriage to have been explored more fully–I agree. Writing together was a great beginning and the song that closed the episode 2 weeks ago was sweet and promised more juicy bits to follow. Alas! Then the character of Rayna was killed. I don’t care that she said the new producer–and she–thinks they have done all they can with the character–not true And the bad thing in that Connie said they all knew going in that her character would be killed. They didn’t play fair with the audience and the audience has a LONG memory. Mark my word–the show is over–kaput.
The promos showed a rehashing of the same stale storylines. Nope, not watching!
Connie wouldn’t have stayed that much longer. What I think they SHOULD do…in light of fan reaction and disappointment, is create some new episodes to be seen as Deacon’s flashbacks…where we see their life together as a married couple. That way we can get the relationship we waited four years to see….
SORRY I DONT AGREE…..I THINK THE SHOW WILL GO ON JUST FINE WITH HOPEFULLY NEW EXCITING STORIES TO BE TOLD….EMPLOY SOME REAL STARS FROM NASHVILLE……NOW IT WONT BE THE CONNIE BRITTON SHOW!!!!! CHARLES ESTEN CHARACTER DEACON SHOULD BE THE HEART OF THE SHOW!!! AGREE THE LAST COUPLE WEEKS HAVE BEEN SO DULL, BUT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT EPISODES.
Amen, JK….the show lost me in the beginning season due to the absolute overemphasis on Rayna’s Britton, who I never liked, even on Friday Night Lights. I thought Powers Boothe’s character was magnificent, and Tandy and Teddy made for good soapy fun, too, but in the end, they were underutilized/gone too soon. (Deacon, I never took to…way too skeevy for my taste….) Hopefully, the show will now skew younger with far more screentime for Jonathan Jackson and his age group….he is a real star, and perhaps spotlight the truly cosmopolitan nature of the city and its citizens… more high society-oriented stories, too. That’s what makes a soap fun to watch…..
Very sad. I am still shocked! In a world of hints & spoilers in tv …,never saw it coming. I loved the way CMT made Rayna somehow a more loveable character.
I loved her as Rayna on Nashville and am VERY unhappy she is gone. Hope the show can go on without her. There are other good actors on that show though.
When CMT picked up the show it was reported CB was not signing for the whole season. Later just prior to airtime the reports said she was staying put. I don’t like that they misled me as an audience member. The writing is not balanced for the number of characters they have. This will be their downfall. I do like that Juliette is slowly maturing. Now that Rayna is gone Juliette may just surprise us. I can hope.
Jonathan Jackson should be showcased more. He has 6 daytime Emmys and he delivers heart wrenching material. More music and less teenage angst and bed hopping.
I stopped watching it halfway through season 2. I gave it a shot when it went to CMT and i was still bored with it. Season 1 was amazing though.
That is the end of Nashville!
I totally agree.
The show is cancelled by one network and is lucky enough to get picked up by another. Within 10 episodes of the “saving,” the show kills off the main character?Who in their right mind would think this is a good idea for the show to keep it going.
On the one hand, maybe Connie Britton wanted to leave the show. I don’t know. However, if Britton had wanted to leave, why did CMT even bother to bring it back? ABC cancelled it and the main actress wants out. Not a wise investment by CMT if this is the case.
On the other hand, if the writers and producers came up with the idea of killing her off, they’ve botched up the second chance that they got for this show.
Either way, I bet Nashville will be off the air for good by the end of the year even if it manages to make it to a second year on CMT.
Yes, Barbara, it was Connie’s choice. She didn’t even want to do CMT but was persuaded it seems, to appear for a few episodes. They tried to get her to stay; she wanted out…back to L.A. and other series/films.
I wasn’t surprised that they killed her off. Connie wasn’t at all upset when the show got cancelled and was looking forward to getting back to L.A. I think she was persuaded to do a few episodes to help kick off the CMT version.
What do I think? I think it was disrespectful to the fans who pushed for Nashville’s renewal. Without fan demand CMT would not have considered picking it up. And, regardless of how many other characters we love, Rayna was the central heart of the show. There was just something about her presence that ruled the show.
With that said, we have no control over whether an actor wants to go on to other projects. It’s, of course, his or her right, just as it is any of ours to change jobs, etc. But, still, there should be a recognition that if you have loyal fans who have rallied for renewal…and you KNOW that leaving would put quite the crimp in the show and the fans enthusiasm, I think you need to reconsider. At least stay the entire season.
I was upset from the beginning that they dropped Luke and Layla. Considering that they knew Connie would be leaving, I think it would have been wiser to keep the Nashville “family” together instead of introducing Juliette’s “angel” and a gospel Church. I’m thinking that’s where Maddie and her boyfreind will be headed as well…given Maddie’s grief and probable need for forgiveness.
I’m heartbroken. Just as in real life when you may know that someone ill may pass…it doesn’t mean you’re emotionally prepared when the time comes. Grief takes over. That’s how I felt watching this episode. It was beautifully written, exquisitely executed and gut-wrenching. I’m still reeling….
I was under the impression that Connie said she was staying with Nashville – throughout. What happened? Hope Nashville survives – I still enjoy the country aspects of the show – and the music. Rayna’s death and Connie’s leaving is just heartbreaking.
I cried like a baby watching her children cry as she died. And the next one shows her sister trying to take them from Deacon. I’m not a fan of that character but she is doing her job making me hate her.
I too would like to see more singing, more Nashville and please let Charlotte grow out her hair!
I was totally shocked to see Rayna die and it wasn’t even a cliffhanger. I think the other great actors/actresses can carry the show without Connie but the writing will have to get alot better. Dallas couldn’t survive without the great JR (Larry Hagman) so we shall see. I hope they will concentrate on more music and definitely put the talented Avery front and center. Avery & Julette should be Nashville’s super couple and start performing together.
The show is going to fall flat if the writers continue to place the two teen girls in every scene. I am already fast forwarding those scenes.
Please writers, do not bring the alcoholic story back for Deacon. Viewers much rather see a strong man handling his grief in a responsible manner. Allow Deacon to become a country super star!
I have stopped watching. To me Connie was the star. I started watching in the beginning because I had loved Hayden P. and Jonathan J. for years, but to me Connie out shown them. I do not want to see the younger sister’s jailbird father and Connie’s sister fighting over custody of the girls, when they want to be with Deacon. Also Scarlet’s blatant disregard for her boyfriend’s feelings, throwing her disloyalty in his face.
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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