Hayden Panettieres Ex-Boyfriends Brother, Zach, Breaks Down What Happened the Morning She Used to Be Found Unconscious

techleaks | August 22, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

The inquiry into the unexpected passing of Hayden Panettiere has taken a significant turn with federal agencies now involved and fresh information surfacing about the events of her final morning. A particularly insightful account has emerged from someone present at the South Carolina Airbnb when the situation unfolded.

The ‘Nashville’ star passed away on Sunday, August 16, at the age of 36 after being discovered unresponsive at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina. Reports from ABC News indicate that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) joined the investigation on August 19 to assist the Greenville City Police Department, which leads the case.

This development followed the release of a police report detailing the scene where Hayden was found in cardiac arrest. An officer responding to a call for an unresponsive person reported that Brian Hickerson, her on-and-off boyfriend, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the residence with her.

Hayden Panettiere attended an Emmy nominees event in West Hollywood in September 2022. In later interviews, she spoke openly about the personal struggles she faced away from the spotlight.

Updates on the Investigation

The police report did not clarify whether Hayden had consumed drugs or alcohol before her death. It did mention that Brian presented a bag containing medications she had been using. As the investigation progressed, Hayden’s representative conveyed a brief message to ABC News.

"There’s nothing to share at this moment as the investigation is ongoing, but we remain hopeful that justice will prevail." The coroner’s office stated that the official cause and manner of Hayden’s death are still pending further inquiry and tests.

Hayden Panettiere attends an event in 2022, years before her sudden death at 36. Her death was later reported to be under investigation, with police saying there were no initial signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.

Zach Shares His Experience in the Airbnb

Reports from TMZ indicate that Zach shared he woke up at the Airbnb that Sunday morning, got dressed, and headed to church. He exchanged texts with Brian while on his way, making plans for lunch and indoor golf after the service.

"After church, I called and texted both of them. When I didn’t get a response from Brian or Hayden, I thought maybe they had just gone back to sleep, so I drove to the Airbnb."

"I knew the building code but not the Airbnb door code," he explained. He added, "I knocked loudly, which seemed to wake Brian from a nap they were sharing on the pull-out couch in the living room."

The brothers attempted to awaken Hayden so they could head out for lunch. "When we entered and tried to wake her up, we discovered she was unconscious."

The next steps taken were not previously confirmed in public.

Hayden Panettiere is pictured riding in a vehicle in an undated photo. The image comes as Zach Hickerson recalls arriving at the Airbnb after Hayden and Brian failed to respond to his calls and texts, only to discover Hayden unconscious inside.

Zach Confirms Narcan Use

"I immediately called 911, and Brian administered Narcan." The brothers worked together to keep her alive while waiting for emergency help. "We performed CPR jointly while on the phone with 911 until firefighters and EMS arrived."

Zach recounted their experience as emergency personnel tried to save Hayden. "We watched as they used every possible method to attempt to save her life."

His account adds new insights regarding the Narcan found at the residence, clarifying that Brian was the one who provided it to Hayden.

However, this information does not clarify Hayden’s official cause of death, which remains under investigation.

Zach Addresses Speculation about Hayden’s Death

Zach also spoke about the rampant speculation surrounding Hayden’s death, urging the public to allow investigators to determine the facts.

"Many assumptions and accusations are circulating. The truth will emerge as authorities finalize and disseminate further details from their investigation."

"This is significant because those who loved and admired Hayden deserve the truth." He expressed his intention to clarify his role while allowing those close to Hayden to grieve.

Hayden Panettiere is pictured in an undated photo. The image comes as Zach Hickerson reveals that Brian administered Narcan after the brothers found Hayden unconscious, before they performed CPR and waited for emergency responders to arrive.

"I want to clarify my involvement to shift the focus to the fact that we’ve lost a remarkable individual and to let those who cared for her mourn without unnecessary noise, chaos, or misinformation fueled by the media and public."

Zach also conveyed his personal heartache. "I am utterly devastated and heartbroken by this tragic and traumatic loss. Hayden was one of my closest friends for the past eight years whom I cherished deeply."

He made a heartfelt appeal to the public. "In respect to her loved ones, the rampant speculation and sensationalism surrounding her death should cease until the facts are revealed from the investigation."

Friday would have marked Hayden’s 37th birthday. Instead of celebrating this milestone, her former fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, honored her memory with a tribute.

Wladimir Commemorates Hayden’s 37th Birthday

"Today is Hayden’s birthday. Rather than celebrating as we had envisioned, we commemorate her life, spirit, and the love she shared with the world." This message was particularly touching since Wladimir and Hayden had maintained a connection through their daughter, Kaya, even after their romantic relationship ended.

Wladimir expressed his gratitude to Hayden’s fans, friends, and all who reached out to him and the family after her death. "In a time filled with sorrow, your kindness has reminded me of the goodness that still exists in humanity," he remarked.

He then made a request centered more on kindness than on Hayden’s public persona. "If you are reading this, I have one simple request: even just for a moment, focus on LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Show forgiveness. Be kind."

"Love is a superpower. Use it. Happy Birthday, Hayden. ❤️ You are cherished, missed, and will never be forgotten."

These words resonated on a day that was meant for celebration. In fact, Hayden had already made plans for how to spend her birthday week.

Hayden Had Plans to See Kaya

Hayden’s daughter, Kaya, was not merely someone she hoped to see; she had been planning a trip to visit her in Germany during the week of her 37th birthday.

A source close to Hayden informed Page Six that she was particularly excited about this visit. "She was looking forward to spending the week of her birthday with her daughter in Germany," the source revealed. "She couldn’t stop talking about how eager she was to spend time with her."

This planned visit held special meaning due to the complex history of Hayden’s relationship with her daughter. She had also intended to arrange a second reunion involving important figures from her career.

Hayden Panettiere is pictured in an undated portrait. The actress had reportedly been looking forward to spending her 37th birthday week with her daughter, Kaya, in Germany, before also reconnecting with former Nashville co-stars in South Carolina.

Reunion with Nashville Co-Star

In June, she rekindled contact with her former Nashville co-star Sylvia Jefferies while promoting her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. Sylvia, who portrayed Jolene Barnes in the ABC series, shared with Page Six that they had plans to surprise their co-star Charles Esten by attending his performance in Greenville.

"We were gearing up to surprise him since my birthday was first and then she had her birthday coming up on Friday. But that plan fell through," Sylvia recalled.

Sylvia remembered Hayden’s excitement when she mentioned Charles would be performing in town. "She said, ‘Oh, mama, that sounds like so much fun. Let me see what I can do.’"

Hayden Panettiere is pictured in an undated photo. The actress had reconnected with her former Nashville co-star Sylvia Jefferies before her death, with the two reportedly planning to reunite with another castmate in South Carolina.

Sylvia expressed how thrilled she was to reconnect with Hayden, noting how different she seemed while promoting her memoir.

However, the reunion never occurred. Sylvia expressed her devastation at the thought that Hayden was so close to the event. "Just knowing she was right there is heartbreaking. It’s truly devastating."

The missed reunion becomes even more poignant given the location of Hayden’s death, which was at the Airbnb in Greenville, just a short distance from the venue where Charles was performing.

But the plans she made for that week were just part of a larger narrative concerning Hayden’s final months. Those close to her had indicated that she faced physical challenges affecting her mobility, while her relationship with Brian remained largely out of public view.

Hayden Panettiere is pictured in an undated photo. Her former Nashville co-star Sylvia Jefferies later recalled how devastating it was to realize Hayden had been so close to the planned reunion in Greenville, where she was supposed to meet another castmate.

Hayden Experienced Mobility Issues Before Her Death

In March, she was seen at LAX using crutches while accompanied by Brian. When asked, Hayden explained in footage obtained by the Daily Mail that she was dealing with "some pinched nerves in my lower back."

Despite this, she tried to reassure those around her, stating she was ‘on the mend,’ smiling and giving a thumbs-up before getting into a black SUV.

However, people close to her suggested that the situation was more serious than her public statements indicated. Erick Orellana, Hayden’s hairdresser and friend, told Page Six that she had endured significant pain earlier in the year.

"I know she struggled with her back earlier this year," Erick said. He characterized the pain as "really severe" and noted it impacted Hayden’s ability to move.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are seen together in 2023. Their relationship later became the subject of renewed attention following reports that the pair had remained romantically involved in private.

"At times, she had difficulty moving her legs," Erick shared. Another source mentioned that Hayden occasionally appeared fatigued and dealt with anxiety. "Earlier this year, she did seem a little worn out occasionally. But she was a night owl and had a lot on her plate," the individual stated.

This insider also noted that Hayden would "occasionally take medication for anxiety," which could sometimes affect her speech. Despite this, Erick felt that Hayden seemed to be improving, until May footage captured her struggling in a new light following her passing.

Hayden Panettiere attends an event in 2022. Some years after friends said she experienced severe health issues that affected her mobility.

Video from May Showed Hayden Struggling

A video recorded in May featured Hayden in New York while she was promoting her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning. The footage, posted by Elder Ordonez on Instagram, depicted her walking during promotional events.

After her death, the video was shared with a message expressing sorrow and offering prayers for her loved ones. Viewers quickly noticed how Hayden appeared to walk.

One commenter remarked, "She looked a bit unsteady on her feet🥺♥️." Another noted, "Her walking seemed unusual, indicating something was amiss. 😢 Rip 🕊️" A third wondered, "Did her walk suggest she was in pain, or was it just me?"

Others questioned, "Has anyone noticed how she walks?" One more commenter stated, "Something was definitely wrong with her feet 😢" The Daily Mail also reported that the May footage appeared to show Hayden experiencing difficulty walking, particularly with her right leg.

Later that day, she reportedly depended on an assistant for support as she arrived at CBS Studios, gripping the woman’s hand tightly while smiling at those around her. Observers did not speculate about her health issues.

Hayden had previously discussed what she described as nerve damage in her lower back during a May interview with Women’s Health. "I literally woke up feeling nothing but pins and needles from my waist down," she explained. "I wasn’t able to bend my toes or lift my foot at all. No one could provide a definitive answer."

She shared that the uncertainty was frightening, leading her to question whether she would be permanently paralyzed. "It was like that for so long that I found myself thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, am I going to be paralyzed for the rest of my… life?’"

"It’s the most frightening thing I’ve ever experienced physically, without a doubt." None of these reported health issues have been linked to the cause of Hayden’s death.

Another complex aspect of her last months was not fully understood by the public at the time. Over the years, Hayden and Brian’s relationship seemed to go through frequent cycles of breakups and reconciliations.

Hayden and Brian Were Allegedly Still Together in Secret

However, TMZ reported that the public’s understanding of their relationship didn’t capture the whole picture. A source close to Brian claimed the couple had not separated as often as believed and were still together while Hayden promoted her memoir prior to her death.

They supposedly kept this under wraps for her career’s sake. Hayden’s team believed that Brian’s presence was "bad for business" during her memoir promotion. According to TMZ, the couple’s complicated history was thought to potentially hinder book sales.

While Hayden and Brian were reportedly still romantically involved, they managed to keep their relationship discreet. Their secrecy extended beyond simply avoiding public appearances together.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are pictured together in 2023, as reports later revealed that the couple's relationship may have continued privately despite public reports of repeated breakups. — Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are pictured together in 2023, as reports later revealed that the couple’s relationship may have continued privately despite public reports of repeated breakups.

TMZ indicated that the pair remained in constant contact during Hayden’s promotional activities, with those in their inner circle reportedly aware of their ongoing relationship. During a May appearance, Hayden was asked about her relationship with Brian and reportedly laughed off the idea of marrying him.

This private relationship carries particular weight given Brian’s past, which included jail time after pleading no contest to two charges related to violent incidents involving Hayden.

Brian Experienced a Legal Setback Just Days Before Hayden’s Passing

Only three days prior to Hayden’s death, Brian faced another legal setback. TMZ reported that a judge denied his request to have his prior felony domestic violence convictions reduced to misdemeanors and to have them expunged.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson hold hands while walking together in 2019, accompanied by another woman. The couple's relationship later became complicated by Hickerson's legal troubles, with reports revealing they continued communicating despite periods when their romance appeared to have ended publicly. — Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson hold hands while walking together in 2019, accompanied by another woman. The couple’s relationship later became complicated by Hickerson’s legal troubles, with reports revealing they continued communicating despite periods when their romance appeared to have ended publicly.

This ruling occurred on August 13, just days before Hayden’s death. Brian had pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony charges of injuring a spouse or girlfriend following a series of incidents with Hayden between May 2019 and January 2020.

Initially, he faced eight criminal counts. According to Page Six, Brian noted in his petition that he had completed the conditions of his probation.

He had been sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of supervised probation, 52 mandatory domestic violence classes, and a five-year restraining order. He ultimately served 33 days, receiving credit for 12 days already spent in custody.

Amid the headlines surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s final months lies a deeply personal story involving Kaya, the daughter she shared with Wladimir.

Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson are seen together in Los Angeles in 2019, two years before his domestic violence case resulted in a 45-day jail sentence. Their turbulent relationship later became part of Hayden’s story of reclaiming her voice and healing from abuse.

For years, Hayden heard others tell the narrative of why her daughter, Kaya, resides thousands of miles away. However, the late actress increasingly filled in the gaps herself, revealing a reality far more nuanced than simply "giving up" her child.

From the postpartum challenges following Kaya’s birth to the devastating custody agreements Hayden later signed, motherhood unfolded differently than she once envisioned.

Despite the hardships, her daughter is flourishing and speaks several languages. She also shares an extraordinary bond with her mother, as well as a close relationship with her father. It is essential for Hayden that Kaya does not perceive her mother’s story as a painful misunderstanding.

Kaya’s Birth Made Hayden a Mother

Kaya was born on December 9, 2014, in Hawaii, weighing 7 lbs., 14 oz., and measuring 20 inches long.

"We are ecstatic and deeply in love!" the new parents exclaimed at the time. Although Hayden kept her pregnancy mostly private, her baby bump became increasingly apparent. At the 2014 Emmys, she unintentionally revealed that she and Wladimir were expecting a girl while discussing baby preparations.

Panettiere welcomed daughter Kaya in December 2014 after previously saying she felt empowered by the idea of raising a strong woman. Years later, she would reveal how drastically her experience of motherhood diverged from those early expectations.

"I’m thrilled to be having a girl first because I feel like I know a lot about raising a strong woman," she told Hello! Magazine while reflecting on her pregnancy and impending motherhood. "I feel empowered, and I believe my daughter will feel the same way," she added.

At that time, Hayden was engaged to Wladimir, having announced their engagement in 2013, over a year before Kaya’s birth. The early days of motherhood brought both expected exhaustion and some surprises.

Hayden later humorously recalled that she finally enjoyed her first uninterrupted night of sleep because Wladimir’s mother was eager to take care of the newborn overnight.

Panettiere shares Kaya with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, who became the girl's primary caregiver while the actress sought help for her health and addiction struggles. Despite their split, Panettiere says she and Klitschko remained close and committed to speaking positively about each other to their daughter. — Panettiere shares Kaya with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, who became the girl’s primary caregiver while the actress sought help for her health and addiction struggles. Despite their split, Panettiere says she and Klitschko remained close and committed to speaking positively about each other to their daughter.

"Wlad’s mom was determined to babysit for a night," Hayden recalled in a feature about their new family. "She appeared tired, but I felt well-rested!"

She described the experience of becoming a parent as surreal and overwhelming, as she and Wladimir began to bond with the little person who had been developing inside her. However, recovery from childbirth was not as easy as she’d hoped.

Panettiere has said she and Klitschko were still "best friends" and regularly communicated with Kaya together. Their cooperative relationship had helped the actress maintain what she called an "incredible" bond with her daughter across continents.

"I’m limping around," Hayden noted at the time, expressing her confusion about how pregnancy had altered her body and which changes might be temporary or permanent. She joked that she felt like an elderly woman navigating stairs.

Kaya, on the other hand, was described by her mother as an easy-going and sweet child, albeit one with an "insatiable appetite." Yet beneath these tender moments, Hayden would eventually confront a struggle she felt unprepared to recognize.

Kaya's arrival initially brought Panettiere the excitement of first-time motherhood, but she later said she was unprepared for the postpartum depression that followed. She had spoken openly about how isolated and confused she felt during that period. — Kaya’s arrival initially brought Panettiere the excitement of first-time motherhood, but she later said she was unprepared for the postpartum depression that followed. She had spoken openly about how isolated and confused she felt during that period.

Years later, Hayden revealed that she faced postpartum depression after Kaya’s arrival. The actress admitted that her lack of awareness about postpartum depression made her experience particularly distressing.

"I wish I had known about postpartum depression. I wish I had known to be vigilant for it," she reflected in a 2023 interview with E! News. Hayden recounted turning to alcohol in a misguided attempt to feel better.

"I thought Fireball would solve everything — duh!" she recalled, realizing that any relief was brief and ultimately exacerbated her problems. The isolation was another painful aspect. Because she had not understood her emotions, Hayden felt that she should have been able to manage it alone.

Panettiere's struggles after becoming a mother eventually included battles with alcohol and opioids, which she had discussed candidly in interviews. She later said getting healthy meant confronting the painful reality that Kaya had already built a stable life in Europe. — Panettiere’s struggles after becoming a mother eventually included battles with alcohol and opioids, which she had discussed candidly in interviews. She later said getting healthy meant confronting the painful reality that Kaya had already built a stable life in Europe.

Her battle with postpartum depression had been spoken about publicly years earlier, but she later connected these emotional challenges to a broader struggle. Hayden also openly discussed her difficulties with opioid use and alcohol, which contributed to the circumstances surrounding Kaya living primarily with her father.

The actress expressed her desire for new mothers to understand that an immediate and intense attachment is not the only possible reaction to childbirth. She longed for someone to explain that it is not unusual to meet a newborn and initially view them as a "crazy little creation" whom a parent grows to love more deeply over time.

Panettiere had pushed back strongly against the idea that she simply "gave up" her daughter, having called the custody decision one of the most painful experiences of her life. She had said she ultimately accepted the arrangement because she believed disrupting Kaya's established life would have been selfish. — Panettiere had pushed back strongly against the idea that she simply "gave up" her daughter, having called the custody decision one of the most painful experiences of her life. She had said she ultimately accepted the arrangement because she believed disrupting Kaya’s established life would have been selfish.

The Mayo Clinic’s information on postpartum depression, referenced in E!’s report, notes that symptoms can include severe mood swings and difficulty forming a bond with a baby. Unfortunately, for Hayden, what followed was much more than a private battle with her health; it ultimately altered the path of her daughter’s upbringing.

Kaya Moved to Live with Her Father

When Kaya was still very young, she began living in Ukraine with Wladimir while Hayden faced her struggles. The circumstances surrounding that arrangement have become among the most misunderstood and emotionally charged elements of the actress’ narrative.

During a September 2022 appearance on ‘Red Table Talk,’ Hayden addressed the notion that she and Wladimir simply agreed it would be best for Kaya to live with her dad after their romantic relationship ended in 2018.

Panettiere and former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their only child, Kaya, in December 2014. Years later, the actress said the painful changes to their family were never as simple as her choosing to walk away from motherhood.

"Initially, there wasn’t a discussion about it," she stated during the ‘Red Table Talk’ episode concerning the custody arrangement. Hayden indicated that if Wladimir had approached her with the idea of Kaya staying with him temporarily for her well-being, she would have likely understood and agreed.

"That makes sense. I’d get it. I could visit and stuff like that," she imagined the conversation might have played out. Instead, Hayden described the situation’s unfolding as "very upsetting." Then came the official documents.

"Signing those papers was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever had to do," Hayden recalled. "It was a gut-wrenching experience."

She clarified that the signed documents granted Wladimir full custody. At that point, Hayden’s intention was to focus on her recovery, hoping to eventually alter the arrangement. She believed that once she was better, Kaya might return, and she would have more time with her daughter.

"But that didn’t happen," she stated.

Kaya was nearly three when the custody situation changed, and Hayden initially thought her daughter was just visiting Wladimir in Ukraine. "It wasn’t entirely my choice," Hayden revealed on ‘Red Table Talk,’ as recounted in People’s 2024 look at Kaya’s life and her connection with her mother. "In fact, I didn’t even know it was happening until she was already over there."

This detail underscores why Hayden has fought against the narrative that she casually abandoned motherhood.

Hayden Later Expressed Feelings of Guilt

By May 2026, Hayden spoke more openly about her feelings during that period. At a panel related to her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, she described the overwhelming guilt of knowing she was unable to parent Kaya as she wished.

She admitted to feeling "guilt-ridden" over her inability to care for her now-11-year-old daughter, according to Page Six’s report on her emotional reflections.

Hayden recalled a particular hurtful comment, stating, "The worst thing someone said to me was that it was a personal choice I was making." Her response highlighted just how impossible that understanding felt to her.

"Who would choose to feel this way? How could you even say that to me?" she questioned. Hayden described Kaya as a healthy, beautiful child who represented everything worth celebrating, making her inability to be the mother she aspired to be even more painful.

"I felt so guilty for being incapable of doing it," she confessed. Another memory that stuck with her was a moment at the airport when she spotted a magazine cover featuring her face and a headline asking why she had "given up" her daughter.

Panettiere spoke candidly about postpartum depression following Kaya's birth and the addiction struggles that later followed. She said there were periods when she felt "completely incapable" of being the parent she desperately wanted to be. — Panettiere spoke candidly about postpartum depression following Kaya’s birth and the addiction struggles that later followed. She said there were periods when she felt "completely incapable" of being the parent she desperately wanted to be.

"Sometimes that means not what you want as a mom or what feels good for you, but what’s best for them," she noted. The process of signing the custody papers remains a painful recollection.

Hayden revealed that her father was present during the signing, and several other people unexpectedly arrived to witness her signature. She recounted sitting in a restaurant, clenching her teeth to prevent tears.

She could hear laughter nearby. "I can’t believe you can watch someone endure one of the most heartbreaking experiences of their life," she reflected.

The actress said signing over custody of Kaya was the "most heartbreaking thing" she had ever done. She later stressed that allowing her daughter to remain with Klitschko ultimately meant putting Kaya's stability ahead of what she herself wanted as a mother. — The actress said signing over custody of Kaya was the "most heartbreaking thing" she had ever done. She later stressed that allowing her daughter to remain with Klitschko ultimately meant putting Kaya’s stability ahead of what she herself wanted as a mother.

Afterward, Hayden locked herself in a restroom to confront the painful reality of the situation. Her memoir revisits experiences during that particularly challenging period of her life. Yet Kaya’s story didn’t end with the custody arrangement. As Hayden healed, another consideration emerged: her daughter had established a life of her own.

When Hayden Was Healthy, Kaya Had Already Built Her Own Life

In May 2026, Hayden provided one of her most comprehensive explanations regarding why Kaya remained in Ukraine with her father even after the actress regained her health. Speaking on Jay Shetty’s ‘On Purpose’ podcast, she noted that Kaya had spent significant time in Europe and had developed a strong foundation there.

Kaya had formed friendships, participated in activities, and absorbed the local languages. Hayden believed her daughter had built "a beautiful life."

By the time Hayden achieved her own health, she felt that it would have been selfish to uproot Kaya from the life she had created. Today, Kaya is growing up in a multilingual environment.

By age nine, her mother noted that Kaya was fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, and German, and even began learning French. "She’s a genius!" the proud mom boasted in 2024.

Hayden contrasted Kaya’s experience with language education in the U.S., arguing that American children often only begin learning additional languages when they are older. "When they are infants and young, they are like sponges," she explained. "You can teach them anything." Hayden mentioned that although Kaya might not yet appreciate her language skills, she reassured her that one day she would.

Horses are another passion of Kaya’s, which Hayden believes may run in the family. "I have horseback riding in my genes," she noted, sharing that a great-uncle of hers once won the Kentucky Derby. She also related a humorous incident involving Kaya’s enthusiasm.

Hayden received a video of her daughter watching ‘Racing Stripes,’ a film she apparently loves to rewatch. Kaya was sitting on a toy hippo, pretending to race it with such enthusiasm that Hayden joked she feared for the toy’s ears.

Kaya is also a strong swimmer and loves the water, a quality Hayden recognized in herself. "She’s just like me," the actress previously stated. Hayden recalled spending plenty of time in her pool while pregnant with Kaya and during her work on ‘Nashville.’ "She came out loving water," Hayden shared.

By 2026, Hayden revealed that Kaya was not just interested in horses but was actively riding them. Perhaps the most surprising detail was how highly Hayden spoke of her daughter’s emotional growth.

Hayden Highlighted That Kaya Is ‘Happy,’ ‘Solid,’ and Feels Loved

At 11, Kaya has experienced what her mother termed an "incredible life." "She’s an amazing little girl," Hayden shared with Jay. The actress also mentioned the support system surrounding Kaya. More importantly, she was confident that her daughter feels the love of both parents.

Hayden expressed her conviction that Kaya feels supported and insisted that their physical distance has not weakened their bond. "I have a fantastic relationship with her," the mother said. Hayden visits Kaya as often as she can and spends significant time connecting through FaceTime.

Their conversations go beyond quick check-ins. "We discuss very profound issues," Hayden revealed. She described their bond as "intense and incredible."

The actress has consciously worked to ensure Kaya never interprets her childhood circumstances as abandonment. "She does not feel abandoned in any way," Hayden affirmed, emphasizing that she has been mindful of this aspect.

For Hayden, parenting Kaya from afar also meant leading by example. Her daughter was born to two prominent parents pursuing vastly different careers on separate continents, and Kaya appeared to enjoy witnessing both parents’ achievements. "She’s our biggest supporter," Hayden noted.

The actress believed that observing her parents’ successes might inspire Kaya to believe she can accomplish anything she sets her mind on. Moreover, Hayden saw something even more significant in Kaya’s demeanor.

She described her daughter as "good" and "solid," and noted that Kaya’s ability to love herself offers powerful assurance that she feels cherished. Witnessing an 11-year-old demonstrate the capacity to love both herself and others is, according to Hayden, more than any parent could wish for.

Panettiere and Klitschko became parents to Kaya in December 2014, more than a year after announcing their engagement. Their relationship later ended, but Panettiere said the two remained extremely close and worked together to make sure Kaya felt supported by both parents.

Addressing One Misconception Hayden Did Not Want Kaya to Adopt

This portrayal significantly contrasts the narrative perpetuated by years of headlines suggesting Hayden had "given up" her daughter. She tackled that misconception directly during her discussion with Jay in May. "There’s a common and very prevalent misunderstanding that I simply gave up my child," she stated. "That couldn’t be further from the truth."

Hayden hoped that her podcast discussion, along with the more comprehensive account in her memoir, would finally give readers the context needed to understand her story. She acknowledged that the outcome remains intertwined with grief.

Jay referenced a passage in Hayden’s memoir about mourning the mother she envisioned herself being. The actress admitted that grief has often overwhelmed her. Initially, she said her experience was rooted in grief, but eventually, her emotions evolved.

Due to the relationship she had with Kaya, and how events unfolded, Hayden reached a point where she could feel deep gratitude alongside her pain. She emphasized that Kaya has "an incredible father" and "an amazing family."

Despite the reality not aligning with her earlier hopes for motherhood, she felt fortunate that Kaya is safe, well-adjusted, and maintains a strong bond with her. This connection was once one of her greatest concerns.

As Kaya left, Hayden feared she might have to fight hard to retain any relationship with her daughter. Instead, she later recognized that the outcome was, "in many ways," a blessing. Yet she acknowledged her longing for more. "I always want her close. I miss her immensely. But that’s just not how life is at this point," she admitted.

Although Panettiere and Klitschko ultimately built separate lives, their daughter remained the strongest link between them. Panettiere said they were still "best friends" and had promised never to speak negatively about one another to Kaya.

Hayden also contemplated beyond Kaya’s childhood, believing that one day her daughter would grow up with the freedom to choose how she wants to live and structure her own life, and the actress was hopeful about what that future might hold.

Hayden envisioned that Kaya would come back to her and they would share an "incredible relationship and bond and friendship" that many parents never experience with their adult children.

Kaya’s Parents Remained Close to Each Other Despite Their Split

One aspect that seemed to ease their unconventional arrangement was Hayden’s relationship with Wladimir. "Wlad and I share a strong bond," she stated in 2026. Although they are no longer a couple, she noted that the three of them remain in close communication.

This sometimes involves three-way FaceTime calls between Hayden, Kaya, and Wladimir, whom she described as "incredibly supportive." He has brought Kaya to the United States, allowing her to spend time with members of Hayden’s family.

Kaya was able to know her great-grandparents before the passing of Hayden’s grandfather and grandmother. "That was really significant to me," the actress explained. Kaya still has a close relationship with Hayden’s grandmother and even has a cute nickname for one of them: "Super Nana."

Panettiere said she and Klitschko remained "best friends" after their romantic relationship ended and shared tremendous respect for one another. That bond helped them stay united in raising Kaya despite living on different continents.

Regarding Wladimir, Hayden went beyond simply calling them cordial co-parents. "Wlad and I are still best friends," she said. Hayden believes few people in the world know her as intimately as he does.

She mentioned that they still hold deep affection for each other and, crucially for Kaya, mutual respect. This respect has led to a specific rule for co-parenting. Hayden explained that her own childhood experiences influenced a crucial decision she and Wladimir made after their romantic relationship ended.

She recounted hearing her mother speak negatively about her father while growing up. "It hurt to constantly hear the person you love criticized," Hayden explained. Because of that experience, she and Wladimir committed to never speaking ill of each other in front of Kaya.

Panettiere and Klitschko's relationship eventually changed, but their connection as Kaya's parents endured. She later said they remained close, respected one another deeply, and worked to keep their daughter's relationship with both parents strong. — Panettiere and Klitschko’s relationship eventually changed, but their connection as Kaya’s parents endured. She later said they remained close, respected one another deeply, and worked to keep their daughter’s relationship with both parents strong.

According to Hayden, both have honored that commitment. Instead, they ensure they only speak positively of one another to their daughter. Furthermore, Hayden ensures that Kaya maintains a respectful and loving relationship with her father.

She also wanted Kaya to understand how highly she regards Wladimir, referring to him as a "hero" and "one of the bravest individuals" she knows. Kaya, according to her, "loves both of us immensely."

This united front is crucial as Hayden acknowledged that Kaya may eventually learn a more complicated version of their family story. Some elements of this narrative are now included in Hayden’s own memoir, which also emphasizes a concern she has expressed poignantly.

One Misunderstanding Hayden Hopes Kaya Will Not Adopt

Hayden’s memoir, titled This Is Me: A Reckoning, was released on May 19, 2026. It delves into deeply personal aspects of her life, including her early fame, romantic relationships, the death of her younger brother Jansen, challenging experiences in Hollywood, and the painful circumstances that led to Kaya primarily living with her father.

At a Los Angeles event discussing the book, Hayden was asked to reflect on the day when Kaya might read it. "I don’t want her to ever read it and think any of it was her fault," Hayden asserted in a report from People about her hopes for Kaya’s understanding of her memoir.

"I love her dearly," she continued. Hayden acknowledged that the complex story recounted in the book is "significant" for an 11-year-old to process. Nevertheless, she intended to continue safeguarding Kaya while she was still young.

Hayden further explained that she had been grappling with her mental health and substance abuse struggles during that time, resulting in a loss of her sense of self. She also countered the misconception that she had been compelled into treatment, explaining that she had sought help willingly.

Hayden viewed herself as a "mother lion" who would have done anything for her child. However, Wladimir felt it was best for Kaya to remain in Europe while Hayden pursued treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse. "That was extremely challenging," the late actress admitted.

"The reality of not having my child with me every day is indescribable," she expressed. For Hayden, her emotions were complex and layered, encompassing multiple feelings.