Hayden Panettiere’s memorial was attended by former Nashville co-stars and close friends at Malibu Pacific Church in California on Saturday, as the actress’s life and legacy were celebrated by around 150 guests.
Connie Britton, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio were among those who gathered for the service. Ruby Rose, Beverly D’Angelo, Evan Ross, filmmaker Storm Santos, celebrity colourist Erick Orellana and make-up artist Beau Nelson were also seen arriving.
The event began outside the church at about 5pm, where guests shared food supplied by Pizza Girl on a mezzanine. Around half an hour later, several doves were released in a symbolic tribute.
Guests then moved inside for the ceremony, where a large photograph of Panettiere was displayed beside the words: “Honoring the life & legacy Hayden Panettiere 8.12.89 – 8.16.26.”
Jackson was seen in tears during the evening as he was comforted by Palladio, while Britton appeared solemn as she looked out over a balcony.
A band had been set up inside the church, and Britton and Charles Esten delivered speeches. Esten also performed a song from Nashville, the series in which the group had worked together.
Security guards remained stationed at the entrance throughout the gathering, with local sheriff’s deputies also present. The celebration concluded at around 7.30pm, with one source describing it as “emotional and beautiful”.
Panettiere’s father, Skip, attended and was seen wearing a suit with Hawaiian-style lei flowers around his neck. Her mother, Leslie Vogel, was reportedly not present.
A source close to Vogel said she had not been invited but was unable to attend because of a family emergency.
Panettiere died aged 36 one month ago after going into cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose in South Carolina, where she had been staying at an Airbnb.
Detectives previously confirmed that officers had responded to a 911 call from an acquaintance who described the actress as unresponsive. Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, was reportedly found at the property.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said Panettiere’s autopsy had been completed and that no signs of trauma were found on her body.
