How did Hayden Panettiere react to Connie Britton’s exit from Nashville? Recently, the star spoke with Access Hollywood about the shocking moment from the CMT series.
On a recent episode of the drama’s fifth season, Britton’s character (Rayna James) died unexpectedly. The star’s exit comes at a tricky time for the show. This is the first season of Nashville to air on CMT after ABC cancelled the series last year.
On Access Hollywood, Panettiere said she was “terrified” for Britton to leave:
I was terrified, because she has always been there from the beginning, and we have always been such a team — and such a support for one another, and our characters. I felt like, ‘Oh my gosh, we are all going to have to carry this show without her.’ That’s a really overwhelming idea.”
She mentioned that when she found out about Rayna’s death, she had trouble accepting it:
Honestly, I am not quite sure I was ready to accept it. So, I didn’t really look to see what other people’s reactions were because I assumed that they felt just as much sorrow as I did.”
Watch the full interview below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SouItgmnM1E&feature=youtu.be
What do you think? Are you a fan of Nashville? Will you watch the show without Britton?
I cried so hard, like it was real, it broke my heart, I am like I can not believe they killed her off, its soooo sad, wow, yes, I am a fan, have not miss an episode since it started, I will truly miss her, but I will continue to watch the show cause I love it
I love Nashville, I love the characters, and yes I will watch it as long as you will put it out there. I have collected each season so far and I rewatch them all the time. So please give me more, much more. Thank you.
I have watched the show since day 1 and although a huge Connie Britton fan, don’t want to see it end because she wants to move on and pursue other possibilities. One character does not make that show and too many fans putting that pressure or belief on a character or actor is why shows in the past have ended when the actors have left instead of being recast or just being allowed to leave. This is definitely a show about a lot of characters, not just one. She was a main character and important but the show shouldn’t end… Read more »
I was shocked and bawling when I watched the last 2 episodes last night! I wish I hadn’t found the show again on CMT–would have rather left the characters in my mind as they were in the last show on ABC than how it is now. I barely slept last night because I am grieving as if she was a real person who I loved and died. Need to do some EFT to clear the emotions. I will continue to watch a few times to see how it plays out, but Rayna was the hub of the show and not… Read more »
I’ve watched Nashville from the beginning l was sooooo sad to see Connie’s character die the show will be really different without her there has to be a way to bring her back to the show l love all the other characters except teddy and her sister let one of them die in the show l will continue to watch Nashville as l love the show just really shocked that Connie will no longer be on Nashville!!!!!!
Rayna’s gone, im done. I will stick around for a couple episodes to seebhow Deacon handles rsising the girls……..then im out! Love the show bit not withoit Rayna.
I love the show. I cried through the whole thing. Yes I will continue to watch. All the cast are great . Just don’ t let anything happen to Decon..
SHOCKER! Will take some time to get back to this show. Hope the show can make it.
I was really caught off guard! Can’t believe Rayna’s character is no more!
WHY??? I am really sad and hope the show can survive this.
will keep watching and see how the show continues the story lines.
Gonna be hard shoes to fill. will miss Connie Britton’s character .
SOOOO SAD TO SEE CONNIE BRITTON DIE OFF THE SHOW. WHAT ARE YOU ALL THINKING???? THIS IS THE BEST SHOW OF THE WEEK AND HAVE WATCHED IT FROM THE VERY START!!!!
I agree completely!!!!! What the heck were they thinking?!?! We watched because we adore Rayna & Deacon’s relationship!! Tell me why every time I find a show worth watching something nuts has to happen?! First Parenthood, now Nashville. I give up!!!
She wanted to leave. She had something else lined up & probably for more money.
Yes, I will absolutely watch.I love all the stories, & the music is amazing. I can’t imagine wanting to part with that because one actress wanted to move on.
Right on!!!
It really sucks it maybe why abc cancelled because she wanted to leave the show or have a smaller roll.
just saw the show 2day, why why would do that to the story. someone has lost his/or her mind!!
Will definitely continue to watch will miss her in show but like alot of the other characters as well!
CMT handled the loss of Connie Briton well in last night’s episode. Doubt I will continue watching though. Not crazy about the ex-husband or sister. I feel Ms. Britton should have stayed for a full season.