Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Wladimir Klitschko Honors Her Birthday 5 Days After Her Death: ‘You Will Never Be Forgotten’

Kirsty HatcherFri, August 21, 2026 at 2:48 PM UTC

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Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere in May 2013Credit: Jemal Countess/Getty -

Wladimir Klitschko shared a tribute on what would have been Hayden Panettiere’s 37th birthday

“Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” the former boxer wrote on Friday, Aug. 21

Panettiere died on Sunday at a residence in Greenville, S.C.

Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko honored the late actress on her birthday, just five days after her sudden death.

On Friday, Aug. 21, on what would have been Panettiere’s 37th birthday, the former boxer, 50, paid tribute to the star in a post on Instagram.

“Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” Klitschko’s caption began, before going on to thank Hayden’s friend, fans “and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support.”

“At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity,” he continued alongside a photo of the Nashville star. “If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.”

Klitschko concluded the post, “Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”

The tribute from the athlete, with whom Panettiere shares daughter Kaya, 11, came after he shared a statement in the wake of her Aug. 16 death. That Instagram post featured a throwback photo of himself alongside Panettiere with their daughter on her shoulders.

“Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief,” he wrote in the post, shared on Tuesday. “The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya.”

“She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry,” he continued. “Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives.”

Klitschko then vowed to protect their daughter’s memory.

“To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was,” he continued. “I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today.”

Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere with their daughter KayaCredit: Hayden Panettiere/X

“Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon,” Klitschko added, before asking for privacy for their family at “this incredibly difficult time.”

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“Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences,” he continued, before ending the post by addressing Panettiere and telling her to “rest easy.”

“May you find eternal peace,” he added.

Klitschko had full custody of their daughter Kaya amid Panettiere’s years-long struggles with addiction and mental health. Kaya has primarily lived with her father in Europe over the last few years.

Panettiere was found unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, S.C., on Sunday. Her father confirmed her death in a statement via her representative.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read. “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.”

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Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were with the actress at the time of her death, officials have said.

Dispatch audio from the day of Panettiere’s death referenced an “overdose” and “cardiac arrest.” Police have said their preliminary investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An official cause of death for the actress has not been released. Her body was released to the family on Tuesday night.

In a statement on Thursday, Sloan Ellis, an attorney for Hickerson told TMZ, “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”