For years, Hayden Panettiere and Taylor Swift shared more than a love for Nashville they were neighbors, friends and, at one point, even helped each other out in an unexpected way.
Following Panettiere’s sudden death at 36, that little-known connection has resurfaced, offering a glimpse into the friendship the two stars quietly shared away from the spotlight.
Panettiere died Sunday in South Carolina at 36, her family confirmed. Authorities responded to an Airbnb after she was reportedly found in cardiac arrest following a suspected overdose, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Her official cause of death remains pending toxicology results.
According to Page Six, Swift was reportedly “deeply saddened” by the news of Panettiere’s death. A source said the two actresses were friendly with each other and had “a really nice rapport.”
“They lived in the same apartment complex in Nashville for a while and would cross paths from time to time,” the source said.
The insider added that Swift was “obviously really shocked” when she learned of Panettiere’s passing and said the actress had always spoken highly of the pop star.
“Panettiere always spoke very highly of Taylor and was supportive of her, and there was always a mutual respect between them,” the source said.
The two stars also saw each other at different events over the years and “always got along really well,” according to the source.
Swift and Panettiere were residents of The Adelicia, a luxury apartment complex in Nashville, during Panettiere’s time filming the television series “Nashville.”
Swift became a penthouse owner at the building in 2009, while Panettiere moved there several years later while working on the ABC drama.
Their neighborly connection led to an unexpected favor that Panettiere later recalled during a 2012 appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
While preparing for a songwriting session with Jessi Alexander, Panettiere realized she had left her guitar in her trailer and began asking friends if they had one she could borrow.
“I freaked out because I didn’t have my guitar I’d left it in my trailer,” Panettiere recalled.
She eventually reached out to Swift, who came through with a guitar.
“Two of her security guards brought down this guitar,” Panettiere said, joking that she even had to fill out a form before receiving it.
The story offered a rare glimpse into the friendly relationship between the two stars, who largely kept their connection away from the public eye.
While promoting her album “Red” in 2012, Swift also referred to Panettiere as her friend and neighbor. She recalled that the actress had assured her that Panettiere’s character on “Nashville” was not based on Swift.
Panettiere rose to fame as a child actor before becoming widely recognized for her roles as Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” She also appeared in the “Scream” franchise and films including “Remember the Titans.”
Her sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and people who knew her throughout her career.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, with toxicology results expected to help determine the official cause.
