Wladimir Klitschko shares a heartbreaking birthday tribute to his late ex Hayden Panettiere
The retired boxer urged fans to choose kindness and love as he remembered the mother of his daughter
Wladimir Klitschko has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his late former fiancée Hayden Panettiere on what would have been her 37th birthday.
The actress, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville, died on August 16 at the age of 36 in South Carolina, just days before her birthday. Authorities have said there was no evidence of foul play, while the official cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.
On Friday, Klitschko shared a photograph of Panettiere on Instagram alongside a heartfelt message reflecting on the birthday they had once expected to celebrate together. The former heavyweight boxing champion chose to honor her life, spirit and the love she brought to those around her.
“Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world,” Klitschko wrote.
The 50-year-old also thanked Panettiere's friends, fans and supporters for the messages and kindness shown to his family since her death. He said the overwhelming support had reminded him that compassion and goodness can still be found during even the darkest moments.
“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.”
Klitschko then used the emotional occasion to encourage others to embrace love and kindness in their own lives.
“If you’re reading this, I ask just one thing: Even if only for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind,” he wrote. “Love is a superpower. Use it.”
He ended the tribute with a simple but powerful message directly to Panettiere , telling her that she was loved, missed and would never be forgotten.
A lasting bond through their daughter
Klitschko and Panettiere first met in 2009 and began a relationship that would continue, with periods apart, for almost a decade. They split in 2011 before rekindling their romance and becoming engaged in 2013.
Their daughter, Kaya , was born in December 2014. The couple eventually separated again in 2018 but remained connected through their daughter.
Following Panettiere's death, Klitschko previously described his family as being in a period of “profound shock and grief.” He remembered his former partner as an important part of his life and the mother of their daughter, while also celebrating her talent and accomplishments as an actress.
He acknowledged that Panettiere had faced difficult periods while working in a demanding entertainment industry, but stressed that nothing could erase the memories they shared or the important place she held in their family.
Most poignantly, Klitschko promised to ensure that Kaya would remember her mother with respect. He said he'd always speak about Panettiere in a way that honored the person she was.
Panettiere had previously been open about her struggles with postpartum depression and addiction. In 2018, she transferred custody of Kaya to Klitschko while concentrating on her recovery.
Despite their complicated relationship history, Panettiere and Klitschko remained permanently connected through their daughter.
As Panettiere's family, friends and fans continue to mourn her sudden passing, Klitschko's message is a touching reminder of the lasting impact she had on those who knew and loved her.
