‘Nashville’ Alum Charles Esten Notes “Strange Coincidence” of Being in Greenville, South Carolina Days Before Hayden Panettiere’s Death

The actor says he "wish[es]" he'd had a chance to see and reconnect with Panettiere as he recalls how they became "fast friends" during the audition process and early days of making ABC drama series.

In an emotional tribute Monday, the actor told his Instagram followers how "stunned and saddened at the loss of [his] dear and beautiful friend."

Following Connie Britton’s heartfelt tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who died Sunday at the age of 36, fellow Nashville alum Charles Esten also remembered his former co-star. Esten was a late cast addition to the Nashville pilot and the last series regular to be announced in March 2012 on the country music drama about fa

The Nashville star remembered his first encounter with Panettiere and how they became "fast friends"

David Arquette, Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz, Kelly Osbourne and other stars honored actress Hayden Panettiere following news of her death.