Hayden Panettiere’s ‘Nashville’ Costar Sings Beautiful Tribute at Grand Ole Opry

Hayden Panettiere was honored on the Grand Ole Opry stage over the weekend by her
“Nashville” costar … and the emotional moment was a legit tearjerker.

Check out the video, but make sure you have some tissues nearby … Charles “Chip” Esten sang “Somewhere in the Sunshine” as a picture of him and Hayden remained on the screen.

Chip was among dozens and dozens of celebs who shared their shock and heartbreak over the actress’ sudden death in a South Carolina apartment on August 16 … and in a strange twist, Chip was playing a show at the venue connected to the apartment complex the weekend she died.

In a previous tribute posted to social media, Chip said Hayden was “a bright light” and “amazingly gifted.” 

The late actress was best known for her roles as Juliette Barnes on “Nashville” and Claire Bennet in “Heroes.”