Wladimir Klitschko, the former world heavyweight champion, has broken his silence following the death of his ex-fiancée, actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away on Sunday 16th August at the age of 36. In an emotional Instagram post, the 50-year-old Ukrainian boxer paid tribute to the Nashville star and made a heartfelt promise to their 11-year-old daughter, Kaya.
Klitschko's Tribute to Panettiere
Klitschko, who shares Kaya with Panettiere, described the family as being in a state of "profound shock and grief." He wrote: "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."
He went on to acknowledge her career and personal struggles, stating: "She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives."
A Promise to Their Daughter
In a poignant message directed at their daughter, Klitschko vowed: "To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was." He also extended condolences to Panettiere's family and fans, saying: "I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon."
He concluded his post with a request for privacy: "I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say. Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace. #WeLoveYouHayden."
Relationship and Family History
Klitschko and Panettiere had a long-term, on-off relationship spanning nearly nine years. They first met in 2008 through a mutual friend and began dating in 2009. After a split in 2011, they rekindled their romance in February 2013 and got engaged eight months later. They eventually broke up in 2018.
Their daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, was born in Hawaii on 9th December 2014. Following a difficult period for Panettiere, who spoke publicly about her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction, Klitschko was granted full custody of Kaya. The young girl has primarily lived with her father in Europe, though Panettiere maintained a close relationship with her daughter.
Earlier this year, Panettiere opened up about her parenting journey in an interview with Dear Momé, saying: "I’m a work in progress—we all are. I take each day as it comes. I’m doing the work, and I’m doing my best."
Panettiere's Death Confirmed by Family
Panettiere's father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the tragic news in a statement, saying: "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. 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." He also asked for privacy as the family processes the loss.
The actress was reportedly found "unresponsive" by a friend in South Carolina. Her death comes just days before her 37th birthday. Klitschko's tribute marks the first public statement from him since the news broke, as he navigates this devastating loss with their daughter.
