Hayden Panettiere is reflecting on her healing journey following the death of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, nearly two years ago. In a recent interview as the cover star of People magazine, she shared how her brother’s sudden passing in 2023 due to cardiomegaly and aortic valve complications left her feeling as though she had “lost half of my soul.”
Describing Jansen as her only sibling and someone she felt responsible for protecting, Panettiere expressed, “I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it.” She acknowledged that no amount of time will lessen her grief over his loss.
In the wake of her brother’s death, Panettiere’s body reacted dramatically; she gained 40 pounds due to stress and elevated cortisol levels. She recounted how a series of unflattering paparazzi photos taken after Jansen’s funeral exacerbated her feelings of agoraphobia, a condition she had previously struggled with. Looking back, she understands that her body was attempting to protect itself from the world.
Last year, Panettiere found support through personal trainer Marnie Alton, CEO of M/BODY. Alton guided her not only in fitness but also became a confidante for Panettiere to express her feelings. Their relationship evolved into a strong friendship, where they would take long walks for both exercise and emotional support, providing an avenue for therapeutic conversations.
Panettiere noted that these lifestyle changes enabled her to release stress and let go of the high expectations she had imposed on herself, leading her to feel more confident. She expressed joy in feeling good enough to leave the house again.
Now, almost two years after her brother’s death, Panettiere feels like she is regaining her sense of self. She described herself as “content” and is concentrating on what matters most, particularly her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with her ex, Wladimir Klitschko. Kaya’s diverse interests, including golf, chess, dance, and singing, bring Panettiere joy.
Additionally, Panettiere is working on her autobiography, which she hopes will reveal “the real me, from my perspective.” Despite the void left by her brother, she takes comfort in the belief that he “will always be beside me.”