By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-18 12:21:48 | Updated at 2026-08-18 14:21:44
3 hours ago
Hayden Panettiere gave a touching insight into her relationship with her daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, 11, just months before her death at 36.
The Heroes actress passed away on Sunday - just one week before her 37th birthday - with an autopsy showing there were 'no signs of trauma' although her official cause of death is yet to be confirmed.
She shared her daughter with her ex Wladimir Klitschko, 50, and in 2018, when Kaya was just three she signed full custody to her ex, who moved their daughter to his native Ukraine amid Hayden's battle with postpartum depression.
In May, while appearing on CBS Mornings, the actress gave rare insight into their relationship - as she revealed during one of their frequent FaceTime calls, Kaya called her Britney in a nod to her character in 2007 movie Bring It On: All or Nothing.
The late star said Kaya's friends 'think she's cool' since the film had something of a Gen Z renaissance, before adding: 'I'm so blessed to have a great relationship with her. I fly over there as much as I can. I'm on FaceTime with her all the time'.
Hayden Panettiere gave a touching insight into her relationship with her daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, 11, just months before her death at 36
She revealed her daughter started calling her 'Britney' in a nod to her character Britney Allen in 2007's Bring It On: In It to Win It
A friend of the late actress said she was planning to take a trip to visit her daughter in Ukraine shortly before her tragic death.
Her hairstylist Erick Orellana told Page Six: 'She was talking about how she wanted to take a vacation and that she wanted to go and see her daughter. Her daughter was always her absolute priority. She loved her so much...
'Her daughter was the absolute light of her life. She lit up whenever she spoke about her. Everything she did revolved around her'.
He recalled how she 'loved spending time with Kaya' and would always show photos and tell stories about her daughter.
In her final interview in May, Hayden spoke to Dear Momé about her choice to give up custody, saying: 'It wasn't a decision I made lightly, nor was it a decision I even wanted to make. I was going through a really challenging time in my life'.
She told Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast in May: 'I have been the one who sought it out, who was saying, ‘I desperately need help. I know this is going to look terrible, but I am. I cannot live like this anymore...
The Heroes actress passed away on Sunday - just one week before her 37th birthday - with an autopsy showing there were 'no signs of trauma' although her official cause of death is yet to be confirmed (pictured with Kaya and ex Wladimir Klitschko)
She tragically stated she 'felt nothing' during her battle with depression
'The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking. It couldn’t be further from the truth...
'It became this horrible cycle for years of battling depression and anxiety and alcoholism and substance abuse, and just me trying to find my way back.'
Following her tragic death on Sunday, Kaya's father Wladimir spoke out on Tuesday.
Sharing a sweet snap on Instagram of the family in happier times, he wrote a caption reading: 'Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief...
'The announcement of Hayden’s tragic death saddens me deeply. She left this world far too soon. Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya...
The widely-discussed decision came after she fell into a deep depression - which she said made her 'feel nothing' - and led to her 'turning to wine' and ultimatedly being sent to rehab for both depression and substance abuse
'She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives...
'To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was...
'I extend my deepest condolences to Hayden’s parents, her friends, and her fans, who are also grieving today. Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon...
'I ask everyone to please respect our family’s feelings and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. For now, this is all I wish to say...
'Thank you to everyone who is supporting my family and expressing their sincere condolences. Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace.'
Hayden and Wladimir met at a book launch in 2009. After two years of dating, they split up in 2011, before rekindling their relationship two years later.
