Actor Jonathan Jackson, who played Hayden Panettiere's husband Avery Barkley in the musical drama Nashville, has paid tribute to his late co-star following news of her death. In an emotional Instagram post, Jackson described Panettiere as an "amazingly gifted" performer with a "bright light" and a deep sense of empathy, reflecting the shock felt by many in the industry.

Jackson, who starred alongside Panettiere throughout the show's six-season run, recalled their shared experience of growing up in the entertainment industry and praised the trust they built as colleagues and friends. He said his prayer had always been that she would feel loved and find peace, and extended condolences to her family on behalf of himself and his wife, Elisa, calling Panettiere "like our own sister" whom they would always cherish.