Less than a week after Hayden Panettiere suddenly passed away, the late actress’s ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko took to social media to pay tribute to her on what would have been her 37th birthday.
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In his latest Instagram post, Klitschko shared that instead of celebrating her birthday as planned, he and their daughter, Kaya, are celebrating her life.
“I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support,” he wrote. “At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.”
The retired boxer then asked readers of the post to think about love. “Reach out to a friend. Forgive sometimes. Be kind. Love is a superpower. Use it.”
He went on to add, “Happy Birthday, Hayden. ❤️ You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”
Panettiere and Klitschko were together on and off from 2009 to 2018. They welcomed their daughter Kaya in 2014. The Scream star gave up custody of Kaya in 2018, citing her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction.
Kaya has been living with her father in Ukraine ever since.
Klitschko Previously Spoke Out Following Panettiere’s Death
Two days after Panettiere died, Klitschko issued a statement.
“Our family is going through a time 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.”
Klitschko further praised Panettiere, stating she had 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,” he continued.
Klitschko also vowed to speak to Kaya about her mother with respect and to make sure she remembers who she was.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today,” he shared. “Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon. 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,” he added. “Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.”