Former heavyweight boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko has again paid tribute to his former fiancee and mother of his child, Hayden Panettiere, marking what would have been her 37th birthday with a heartfelt message.
The American actress died on Sunday, just days before her birthday. She was best known for roles in Heroes and Nashville and had been engaged to Klitschko after meeting him at a book launch in 2009.
Relationship and family
The couple split in 2011 before rekindling their relationship two years later. Klitschko proposed in October 2013, and Panettiere gave birth to their daughter, Kaya, the following year. In 2018, it was confirmed the couple had separated again.
That same year, the actress, who struggled with long-term post-partum depression and addiction issues, decided to relinquish full custody of Kaya to Klitschko, who lives in Ukraine, to "put her daughter first".
Birthday tribute
On Tuesday, Klitschko issued a heart-breaking statement paying tribute to his late ex-partner. Days later, he has now marked her birthday with another touching message.
"Today is Hayden's birthday," Klitschko wrote on X. "Instead of celebrating the way we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world."
"I want to thank all of Hayden's fans, friends, and everyone who has reached out for the incredible outpouring of love and support. At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity."
Message of love
Klitschko added: "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."
He concluded: "Happy Birthday, Hayden. You are loved, you are missed, and you will never be forgotten."
