Charles Esten has paid tribute to his former Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere, who died unexpectedly in Greenville, South Carolina at the age of 36. In his remembrance, Esten highlighted a poignant coincidence: he and his wife were performing in Greenville on Friday night at a venue in Judson Mills, the same location where Panettiere reportedly arrived the following day. Having already moved to Wilmington by Saturday morning, Esten expressed regret that the timing kept them from reconnecting in person.

Esten recalled how their bond began during the Nashville audition process, when he accidentally hit Panettiere with a door as she stood outside listening to his audition. Her immediate praise and encouragement proved meaningful to him during that crucial moment. Over the series' run, the two developed a close friendship while portraying the troubled characters Deacon and Juliette, frequently laughing and supporting one another through their demanding roles.