When did Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko split up and how long were the couple together?

HAYDEN Panettiere tragically passed away on August 16, 2026, after she was found “unresponsive” by a friend, police have said. The beloved actress had an on-and-off relationship with former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, who has paid a touching tribute to his ex. Hayden Panettiere has tragically passed away at the age of 36 Credit: Getty She was engaged to Wladimir Klitschko for five years but they never married Credit: Getty Wladimir Klitschko, 50, posted on Instagram: “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. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! “Hayden was, although no longer my partner, an important part of my life and the mother of our daughter, Kaya. “She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry. read more on Hayden Panettiere “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. Most read in Showbiz “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. #WeLoveYouHayden” When did Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko split up? The couple parted for good in August 2018, just over three and a half years after their daughter was born. They never married, despite a five-year engagement. It wasn’t their first break-up – they had already split once before, in May 2011, after roughly two years together. How long were Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko together? Hayden and Wladimir’s relationship spanned nine years in total, though they spent almost two of those apart. In 2008, they met at a mutual friend’s party and started dating the following year, shortly after her relationship with Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia ended. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2013, Hayden said she made the first move, telling the 6ft 6in boxer, “You’re huge, to which he replied, “You’re tiny.” After the 2011 split, she dated New York Jets receiver Scotty McKnight before she and Wladimir were spotted together again in Florida in February 2013. She confirmed their engagement that October during an interview on Live With Kelly And Michael. While Hayden was holding a snake, Ripa asked, “I’m sort of distracted, not just by the snake, but there’s a very large diamond ring on your ring finger. “I’m not sure if you want to announce anything… Does that signify anything? Is that a promise of something?” Hayden responded: “It might be… I mean, I think it speaks for itself.” Ripa followed up with, “Are you engaged?” and Hayden replied, “I am.” The couple bought a home together in Nashville and were engaged until the 2018 breakup. Hayden holding her daughter Kaya Credit: Twitter Do Hayden Panettiere and Wladimir Klitschko have children? Their only child, Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, was born in Hawaii on December 9, 2014. Hayden sought treatment for postpartum depression the following year and later spoke openly about her struggles with addiction. Kaya has lived with her dad in Europe since 2018, when Hayden signed over full custody while seeking treatment for addiction. In an interview with parenting outlet Mome published in July, Hayden described the heartbreaking decision. She said: “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… I knew I needed to be able to put her first so that I could get the help I needed and be the mum she needed me to be.” Hayden said Klitschko had first raised the idea when Kaya was two, and that she agreed only after concluding the constant travel was hard on her daughter. Speaking about Kaya, she told CBS Mornings: “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. She’s now 11 years old, and she’s calling Mommy more and more.” She said Kaya was thriving, spoke several languages and knew both her parents loved her. In her memoir Hayden called Wladimir “one of the most courageous people I’ve ever met and a true hero in so many ways.” She wrote: “Wlad, you are a wonderful human being and an amazing father to Kaya.” Comment now