Hayden Panettiere Reflects on Stephen Colletti Romance, Praises His Protective Nature

Nearly two decades have passed since Hayden Panettiere and Stephen Colletti called it quits, but the Nashville actress is looking back on their romance with warmth and gratitude.

The 36-year-old Panettiere and 40-year-old Colletti became an item in 2006, staying together for roughly two years before parting ways by the close of 2007. Speaking with Us Weekly, Panettiere reflected on what that relationship meant to her during a pivotal time in her career.

"I'm so grateful that he was part of my life, especially when he was," Panettiere explained. "Because when I was with him was when I started having to deal with paparazzi and tabloids and being the focal point of them."

She credited Colletti's prior experience with media scrutiny—thanks to his appearance on MTV's Laguna Beach—with helping her navigate the overwhelming attention that came her way. "He was able to help guide me through that experience and getting used to that," she shared, emphasizing that he remained "very protective of me."

Panettiere also highlighted how Colletti managed the press with grace. "He never appeared to be [or] came off as a bad guy," she recalled. "So I knew that there was a way to protect yourself and put up boundaries without being offensive or rude."

When asked about their breakup, Panettiere kept it simple. "We just ended up going our separate ways, there wasn't really a story there. Like, no drama," she said. She reiterated the amicable nature of their split, describing it as "so peaceful and kind."

The Heroes star recently had a chance encounter with Colletti for the first time in years, and it left her feeling genuinely happy for him. "I think he's about to become a dad and I'm so happy for him," Panettiere said. "We don't keep in touch the way that I wish we did, because he's such a great guy, but there was no drama."

During the same interview, Panettiere also opened up about her sexuality, revealing that she has dated women.