Stars Pay Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Her Death at 36

Friends and fellow entertainers are paying tribute to Hayden Panettiere , the actress and singer who died this week at 36.

Panettiere — best known for playing country star Juliette Barnes on Nashville and cheerleader Claire Bennet on Heroes — was confirmed dead by her family on Aug.

17.

A cause of death has not been disclosed.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement, describing his daughter as “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.” He asked for privacy as the family processes the loss.

Among the first to react to the news was actress and close friend Selma Blair, who commented on Panettiere’s final Instagram post.

“I love you.

Don’t be gone.

Don’t be gone.

Please.

Please,” she wrote.

“I love you whale tail my friend,” she added.

Another read, “I’m dying.

Please be here.” Author and podcast host Jay Shetty, who interviewed Panettiere on his podcast earlier this year, shared his shock in a comment on Variety’s announcement of her death.