Hayden Panettiere would have been born today; her ex and father of her daughter remembers her: "We miss you and you will never be forgotten"

Hayden Panettiere would have turned 37 years old on August 21, but instead of celebrating her birthday with family and friends, her former partner and the father of her daughter, Vladimir Klikhko, honored her memory with an emotional message. The Ukrainian former boxer shared heartfelt words on social media to commemorate what would have been Panettiere's birthday, just days after she passed away in South Carolina last Sunday at the age of 36. In his post, Klikhko expressed how he and others were mourning the loss of the actress, who had left behind a legacy of love and inspiration. "Today is Hayden’s birthday," he wrote. "Instead of celebrating it as we had planned, today we celebrate her life, her spirit, and the love she brought into this world." He added that the day was meant to honor her memory rather than mark another year of her life. Klikhko, who shares a daughter named Kaya with Panettiere, thanked fans, friends, and supporters for their outpouring of affection following her death. He acknowledged the sorrow surrounding her passing while emphasizing the kindness shown to him during this difficult time. "I want to thank all of Hayden’s followers and friends, as well as everyone who has reached out, for the incredible display of love and support," he said. "In such a moment filled with so much sadness, their kindness reminded me that there is still a lot of goodness in humanity." The message also included a plea to those who remember Panettiere to carry forward her spirit of love. "If you’re reading this, I ask one thing of you," Klikhko wrote. "Even for a moment, think about LOVE. Reach out to a friend. Forgive someone. Be kind." He described love as a powerful force and urged people to use it. "Love is a superpower. Use it," he added before signing off with a final tribute to his former partner. "Happy birthday, Hayden. You are loved. We miss you and you will never be forgotten," he concluded, accompanying his message with a photo of Panettiere’s face. Panettiere and Klikhko met in 2008 and began a relationship that eventually led to marriage. They separated in 2018 but remained connected as co-parents of their daughter, Kaya. After her death, Klikhko explained that although they were no longer a couple, Panettiere would always hold an important place in his life as the mother of his child. Earlier, Klikhko had spoken about the deep shock and grief his family felt over her passing, describing her as a woman who "left this world too soon." He emphasized that he would speak of her respectfully to Kaya and ensure that she remembers her mother. "No one can erase the moments we shared or the place she occupied in our lives," Klikhko said at the time. Panettiere gained international recognition through her roles in the series "Heroes" and the horror franchise "Scream." In addition to acting, she worked as a model and singer. Klikhko praised her ability to build an extraordinary career despite the challenges of a demanding industry, crediting her immense talent. He also requested respect for Panettiere’s family and privacy during their grieving period. Panettiere’s death has sparked widespread attention, with authorities reportedly visiting the home of her partner following her passing. Meanwhile, her former partner and co-parent continues to honor her memory publicly, using her birthday as an opportunity to reflect on her impact and encourage others to embrace love and compassion.