Hayden Panettiere has taken major strides forward in her life and mental health following her allegedly abusive relationship with ex Brian Hickerson.
‘Hayden is in a wonderful headspace. Things are so much better and she’s really excited about her future. She’s got a few projects in the works,’ a source told People on Friday.
Panettiere, 31, has also reportedly been spending a ton of time with her six-year-old daughter Kaya, who’s been living with her ex-fiancé, former heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko in the Ukraine.
Hayden Panettiere, 31, appears to be on the upswing after a few turbulent years, including an allegedly abusive relationship with ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson
Despite splitting up two times — the last being more than three years after their daughter was born — the former couple have remained on good terms.
‘She has an amazing relationship with Wlad. Things are going really well,’ the source added.
The New York native even gushed over her ex when she wished him a happy 45th birthday in a post shared to Instagram on Thursday, March 25.
Respect: Just this week, the Nashville actress paid tribute to her ex-ex-fiancé, former heavyweight boxing champion. Wladimir Klitschko, on his 45th birthday
Healthy co-parenting: The actress has maintained a friendly relationship with her daughter’s father, whom she’s been living with in Ukraine; Kaya is seen dancing with her dad
‘Happy birthday to this wonderful man!’ she captioned a black-and-white photo of Klitschko.
The former couple started dating back in 2009, but would call it quits due to the alleged strain their long distance relationship had put on them.
But they would later reconcile and get engaged in October 2013, just a little over a year before their daughter Kaya would make her entrance into the world.
Following their daughter’s birth, Hayden suffered from postpartum depression, which she sought treatment for twice in the hopes of improving her mental health – something she would eventually open up about.
By August of 2018, there were reports of another split between Panettiere and Klitschko, which came shortly after the abrupt conclusion of her hit ABC drama series Nashville.
Panettiere was soon romantically linked to Hickerson, an aspiring actor from South Carolina, but their relationship turned turbulent, according to charges she had made in court documents obtained by People.
Panettiere split for the final time from the retired boxing champion in 2018, but they are on good terms; the former couple are pictured in May 2013
Taking the power back: Panettiere said she came forward with her story of domestic violence with the hope that her ‘story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,’ she wrote in July 2020
After initially refusing to testify in a domestic violence case against Hickerson, Panettiere has since come forward to give her account to police.
Hickerson pleaded not guilty last July to the eight counts he’s facing in Los Angeles, stemming from alleged domestic violence incidents that occurred between May 2019 and June 2020.
Hayden addressed the abuse allegations on social media, in part, to urge others in similar situations to reach out and get support.
‘I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,’ she wrote in July 2020.
‘I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.’
Serious charges: Hickerson is facing felony charges in Los Angeles County, stemming from alleged domestic violence incidents that occurred between May 2019 and June 2020; the former couple are pictured in November 2018