In an emotional interview with People magazine, actress Hayden Panettiere candidly discusses her journey of healing nearly two years after the tragic death of her brother, Jansen Panettiere. Jansen, who passed away in February 2023 due to cardiomegaly and aortic valve complications, left a profound impact on Hayden, who described losing him as “losing half of my soul.”

“I will always be heartbroken about it,” she shared. “I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”

The Impact of Grief on Her Health

Hayden revealed that the emotional turmoil from Jansen’s passing significantly affected her physical health. In the wake of his death, she experienced severe stress, resulting in a weight gain of 40 pounds and a resurgence of her struggles with agoraphobia.

“I didn’t feel confident to put on clothes and get out of the house,” she confessed, adding that seeing paparazzi photos of herself leaving Jansen’s funeral was a shocking reminder of her condition. Reflecting on this period, she noted that her body was “protecting itself, shielding itself from the world.”

Finding Healing Through Fitness and Friendship

Last year, a transformative introduction to personal trainer Marnie Alton became a pivotal moment for Hayden. Alton’s approach to fitness, which emphasized gentle workouts and outdoor therapy sessions, helped Hayden not only regain her physical health but also find emotional support.

ALSO READ: Bargain Hunt Izzie Balmers Unexpected Journey into Antiques

“She empowered me,” Panettiere said, describing their long walks as therapeutic. “My body just started reacting, not just from working out,” she added, highlighting how these changes helped her release stress and manage expectations she placed on herself.

Alton expressed pride in Hayden’s courage, emphasizing the importance of honesty in her journey toward change.

Moving Forward and Embracing Life

Nearly two years after her brother’s death, Hayden feels she is “starting to feel like myself again.” She focuses on what matters most—her daughter, Kaya, who shares her love for various activities like golf, chess, dancing, and singing.

As she continues to heal, Hayden is also working on her autobiography, promising to reveal “the real me, from my perspective.” Despite the loss, she finds solace in the belief that Jansen “will always be beside me.”