Hayden Panettiere Remembered at Emotional Malibu Memorial One Month After Her Death

Hayden Panettiere’s family and friends gathered in Malibu on Saturday for an emotional memorial, exactly one month after the actress died at age 36. About 150 people attended the service, including“Nashville”co-stars Connie Britton and Charles Esten, along with Evan Ross, Paris Hilton and Ruby Rose. Britton and Esten both delivered speeches, and Esten performed one of Panettiere’s songs from the show, a moment that honored both her acting legacy and the music that made her character a fan favorite.

A sign inside the church displayed a throwback photo of Panettiere with the dates 8.21.89–8.16.26, and doves were released before the ceremony began. Panettiere died Aug. 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, of an apparent overdose. Her death remains under DEA investigation, with reports citing a fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill.

The memorial comes as Panettiere’s story continues to fuel conversations about addiction, the fentanyl crisis and the pressures faced by child stars who grow up in the spotlight. She was open about her struggles throughout her career, and those who loved her made sure this weekend was about the person behind the headlines.

What role or moment of Hayden Panettiere’s career will you always remember? Let us know in the comments.