Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Shares Heartbreaking Tribute on Her 37th Birthday

Less than a week after her tragic death, Hayden Panettiere‘s ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko paid tribute to the Heroes star on what would have been her 37th birthday.

Klitschko shared a photo of Panettiere on his Instagram page on August 21 and included a touching caption. He wrote, “Today is Hayden’s birthday. Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world.”

He continued, “I want to thank all of Hayden’s fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support.”

As People noted, Panettiere and Klitschko dated on and off for about nine years before splitting for good in 2018. They welcomed one daughter, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, in December 2014 and were engaged for part of their relationship.

After the couple’s split, Panettiere chose to let Klitschko take their daughter Kaya to Ukraine to live.

After her August 16 death, the former boxer posted a statement on Instagram noting his family’s “profound shock and grief.” In the post, he also made a promise to their daughter Kaya. He wrote, “I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure [Kaya] remembers the person she was.”

In his birthday tribute, Klitschko wrote that the outpouring of love and support his family has received is a kindness that reminded him “there is still so much good in humanity.”

“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. Love is a superpower. Use it,” Panettiere’s ex-fiancé added.

He closed his caption with, “Happy Birthday Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten.”

In a matter of hours, Klitschko’s Instagram post received over 370,000 “likes” and 5,500 comments as fans and Panettiere’s colleagues showed their support.

Charles Esten, who starred with Panettiere on Nashville, wrote, “Sending you so much love, my friend. I look back so fondly on the time I got to spend with you, and Hayden, and your beautiful beautiful daughter. My heart and prayers are with you, this day and every other.”

A supporter added, “What a beautiful way to honor her. Some souls leave a light behind that even time can’t dim. Hayden’s light, her smile and the love she gave to this world will live on in the hearts of so many.”