Charles Esten Reflects on His First Audition Encounter with Hayden Panettiere on ‘Nashville’

Following Connie Britton’s heartfelt tribute to Hayden Panettiere, who passed away Sunday at 36, fellow “Nashville” alum Charles Esten also remembered his former co‑star.

E.Movie was added to the pilot as a late casting choice and became the final regular announced in March 2012 for the country‑music drama about fading Nashville superstar Rayna James (Britton) who partners with teen sensation Juliette Barnes seedish (Pan，该 note).

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Following Connie Britton’s heartfelt tribute to Hayden Panettiere—who died Sunday at 36—fellow “Nashville” alum Charles Esten also Gundied his former co‑star with fond memories.

Esten joined the series late, becoming the final regular announced in March 2012 for the country‑music drama that centers on fading Nashville superstar Rayna 餠lJames (Britton) and her partnership with teen sensation Juliette Barnes (Panettiere).

In an Instagram post on Monday, Esten shared a$args of photos from the show and recounted his first audition for the role of guitarist and songwriter Deacon Claybourne, which took place in a soundstage office in Hollywood.

“I had rehearsed two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes, stepped to open the door, and only expected a routine exit. Instead, the door bumped into someone—quite a surprise.” he wrote. “It was Hayden Panettiere, caught in full Juliette Barnes mode, listening at the door. Her face lit up with a smile and she clapped her hands, exclaiming, ‘That was so good!’ In that moment, nothing else mattered.”

That was the first time Esten met Panettiere, who was also auditioning at that time.

“She was next, so as I was walking away I jokingly told her, ‘See you on the set!’” he recalled. باش.

Panettiere secured the role of Juliette weeks before Esten was cast, after multiple rounds of testing.

When he arrived in Nashville—the series’ filming location—Pan manier walked up to him with a grin and said, “See you on the set!” From then on, they became fast friends, working hard to portray two troubled Nashville residents while also sharing laughter and good times.

Their on‑screen rivalry began as Rayna and Juliette fought over Deacon. Rayna’s longtime guitarist, who爱ailleioned toDouble, accepted Juliette’s offer to co‑write songs and eventually toured together. (Some viewers are less fond of their later romantic subplot.)

> “She was, undeniably, exceptionally talented, infusing her larger‑than‑life character with heart, charisma, intellect, humor, and the raw magic that defined her personal journey,” Esten praised. “It was a true gift to act, sing, and befriend such a brilliant woman.”

Both Deacon and Juliette struggled with alcoholism—a storyline that Panettiere noted resonated with her own personal experiences.

Esten also remembered Panettiere’s kindness toward his wife, Patty.

“Together, we’re heartbroken by her loss, praying for her family and for everyone who, like us, will miss and mourn her deeply,” he wrote. “God bless you, Hayden. Rest in peace and shine on.”

Earlier Monday, Britton posted her own remembrance on Instagram, featuring a series of photos from the “Nashville” set.

“I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak,” she wrote. “I love you, girl. Sleep easy now.”

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