Ruby Rose Mourns Hayden Panettiere: "My Best Friend"
The Australian actress became emotional discussing her close bond with the late "Heroes" star at a memorial service.
Ruby Rose became visibly emotional at a memorial service for her "best friend," Hayden Panettiere, recalling their daily conversations over five years.
"We spoke every day for five years," Rose told Entertainment Tonight ahead of the celebration of life held at Malibu Pacific Church on Saturday. "I didn't even think we were going to be friends."
Rose described an initial hesitation to form close friendships within the industry but recalled Panettiere approaching her. "She ran up anyway and introduced herself. [She] was like, 'Hey, I'm Hayden. Can we go talk somewhere? We've got a lot in common.' I just laughed. I was like, 'What?'"
Rose recounted how they found common ground and developed a deep connection, characterized by daily texts and mutual check-ins. "It's a bigger group now, there's 14 of us that we've collected over the years. That's my family. I don't have a real family, so," Rose shared.
Panettiere, who died at age 36, "all that she ever wanted was to have her story told, her way, on her terms," Rose insisted.
Among the attendees at the memorial were Paris Hilton, Evan Ross, Jonathan Jackson, and Lennon Stella. Hayden's "Nashville" co-stars Connie Britton and Charles Esten also paid their respects. Esten reportedly read a speech and performed a song from the show.
A source described the gathering as "emotional and beautiful," beginning with a dove release before guests moved inside for tributes and music.
Panettiere died one month prior in South Carolina following cardiac arrest after a suspected overdose. She was staying at an Airbnb with her on-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother. Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal spray, was found at the scene. Detectives had responded to a 911 call from an acquaintance who described Panettiere as "unresponsive."
Hickerson is reportedly struggling with Panettiere's death, having lost a significant amount of weight since she passed. Panettiere's mother, Leslie Vogel, was reportedly not in attendance due to a family emergency, though her father, Skip, was present.