Hayden Panettiere was reportedly preparing to celebrate her 37th birthday with her daughter, Kaya, before her death at age 36. The “Nashville” star was expected to travel to Germany and spend her birthday week with the 11-year-old, according to a source close to the actress. Panettiere died on August 16, just five days before her August 21 birthday.
“She was planning on spending the week of her birthday visiting her daughter in Germany,” the source told Page Six exclusively. The trip had reportedly been in development for some time, with Panettiere frequently discussing her excitement about seeing Kaya. “She was so excited to see her and was telling everyone how much she was looking forward to spending time with her,” the insider added.
Panettiere shared Kaya with her former fiancé, retired Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. The former couple dated on and off from 2009 until ending their relationship in 2018. Although Kaya primarily lived in Europe with her father, Panettiere repeatedly emphasized that she remained closely connected to her daughter.
Actress Discussed Her Vacation Plans With A Close Friend
Panettiere’s hairstylist and friend Erick Orellana also recalled hearing about her desire to take a vacation and reunite with Kaya. “I last saw her a few months ago,” Orellana told Page Six. “She was talking about how she wanted to take a vacation, and that she wanted to go and see her daughter. Her daughter was always her absolute priority. She loved her so much.”
Orellana worked with Panettiere for three years and said conversations about Kaya were a regular part of their time together. According to the hairstylist, Panettiere frequently shared photographs and stories about her daughter. “Her daughter was the absolute light of her life,” he said. “She lit up when she spoke about her. Everything she did revolved around her.”
The remarks challenge any assumption that physical distance had weakened their connection. Panettiere had recently described herself and Kaya as sharing a “really intense, incredible bond.”
- Panettiere’s death has prompted the Drug Enforcement Administration to join the investigation.
- Days after her passing, Hayden Panettiere‘s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, released a statement through his lawyer.
- Panettiere‘s mother, Lesley Vogel, has been vocal about her feelings towards Hickerson, claiming “This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death, and that was Brian Hickerson.”
- Hickerson reportedly struggled financially during his on-and-off relationship with the actress. His bankruptcy has now returned to the spotlight amid reports that the former couple had privately reunited.
Hayden Panettiere Called Custody Decision ‘Heartbreaking’
Panettiere relinquished custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018 while struggling with postpartum depression and addiction. During a 2022 appearance on “Red Table Talk,” the actress pushed back against the belief that she simply chose to give her daughter away. “It wasn’t fully my decision,” she explained.
Panettiere said she initially believed the custody arrangement could change after she sought treatment and stabilized her life. According to ABC News, Panettiere described signing the custody documents as the “most heartbreaking thing” she had ever done. She entered treatment while Kaya continued living with Klitschko. Panettiere later acknowledged that mounting a larger custody battle could have negatively affected their daughter.
The actress also praised Klitschko’s parenting and called him a “fantastic father,” despite admitting that they did not always agree about the arrangement.
The Former Couple Maintained An Amicable Relationship
Panettiere and Klitschko reportedly remained on friendly terms after ending their engagement. Their relationship began in 2009, and they welcomed Kaya in December 2014. They ultimately separated in 2018, around the same time Panettiere became romantically involved with Brian Hickerson.
While Kaya remained with Klitschko, Panettiere continued discussing the emotional importance of motherhood and the complicated realities of loving her daughter from a distance.
Hayden Panettiere Died Days Before Her Birthday
Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16. Police and emergency personnel responded shortly before 2 p.m. and attempted to revive the actress before she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate her death.
Authorities said their preliminary findings revealed no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An autopsy also found no “signs of trauma” that contributed to her death. Her official cause and manner of death have not been determined. Toxicology results remain pending and could take several weeks to complete.
