Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler has paid public tribute to his former Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere following her death at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina.
The 78-year-old rock musician remembered the actress as a close friend following her passing on Sunday, which authorities are currently investigating.
"She was a dear friend of mine, I loved her dearly and I feel bad for her mom - big love to her," Tyler told TMZ on Tuesday.
Tyler is the latest in a string of Hollywood celebrities who have paid tribute to the Heroes star following her death.
The Daily Mail reached out to representatives for Tyler for further comment but has not yet received a response.
Nashville Duet and Musical Collaboration
The rocker worked with Panettiere on an episode of the ABC musical drama series Nashville that aired in September 2015, in which the pair performed a duet of Patsy Cline's hit song Crazy.
Speaking about the actress to Entertainment Weekly back in 2015, Tyler praised her performance both on camera and in the studio.
"She’s a true professional both while filming, recording and off set as well," Tyler told the outlet at the time. He also added: "Hayden is a peach."
When asked in 2015 whether Panettiere had been lip-synching during their duet of Crazy, the veteran vocalist firmly refuted the suggestion.
"Why lip sync when you can sing live? And yes - she is that good!" Tyler said.
Acting Career and Disney Projects
While primarily recognized for her acting skills, Panettiere displayed her musical talents on Nashville as well as across a number of Disney productions.
Her early screen work included the 2004 Disney Channel film Tiger Cruise, the 2005 figure skating drama Ice Princess, and the 2007 animated movie Cinderella III: A Twist in Time. She achieved wider fame starring as Claire Bennet in the NBC superhero television series Heroes.
Tyler has led the American rock band Aerosmith as lead vocalist since its formation in Boston in 1970. The group earned worldwide fame with hit songs including Dream On and Walk This Way.
Family Statement and Ongoing Investigation
Panettiere's death was publicly announced on Sunday by her father, Skip Panettiere, who issued a statement on behalf of the family.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," he said. "She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her - and to the millions who watched her onscreen. We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss."
Authorities in Greenville, South Carolina, subsequently reported that emergency officials responded to an apartment in the area after receiving a call regarding an "unresponsive female" via a possible "drug overdose," later identified as Panettiere.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before declaring the actress deceased.
Officials stated that no signs of trauma or foul play were evident in their initial probe into Panettiere's death, and confirmed that the investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.
