Hayden Panettiere is sharing her feelings about the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere.

In an interview with People magazine released on Wednesday, the former “Nashville” star discussed the loss of Jansen, who passed away last year at the age of 28 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

“He was my only sibling, and I always felt it was my responsibility to look out for him,” Panettiere expressed to People. “Losing him felt like losing half of my soul.”

Jansen’s passing occurred just as Panettiere was attempting to revitalize her career. After an on-and-off relationship with her ex and having struggled with addiction, she was experiencing a sober lifestyle following time in rehab in early 2020, as reported by People.

During her initial stint in rehab, she was also filming the fourth season of “Nashville” in 2015, and in 2021, she began a 12-step program alongside trauma therapy.

“I had to endure extremely distressing paparazzi images of myself leaving Jansen’s funeral, which was held in a very private setting, and it was incredibly shocking,” she shared with People. “My agoraphobia resurfaced, a condition I have previously battled.” Agoraphobia is characterized by an intense fear of places or situations that may trigger panic or feelings of helplessness, according to Mayo Clinic.

Panettiere mentioned that she gained weight during this time and felt completely unconfident in her appearance. She said, “I didn’t feel good enough to dress up and leave the house, yet I knew I had to step out and keep moving, or I would become trapped in my own feelings.”

She described that period as a “destructive cycle, filled with the questions of whether I felt good enough to go out.” However, the star found comfort and healing through long walks with her personal trainer, Marnie Alton, who was recommended by her publicist. She explained to People that Alton “empowered” her through “these lengthy, uplifting walks that served as therapeutic sessions.”

After the tragedy of losing her brother, Panettiere remarked that she has gained a fresh perspective on life.

“Experiencing something so immense teaches you to choose your battles wisely, and not to allow small issues to bother you,” she expressed in her interview with People. “Once something so dreadful and life-changing happens, not much else seems capable of shaking you.”

She added: “My heartbreak will always remain. I will never fully overcome this loss; no matter how many years pass, I will always feel the absence of him.”

Family described Jansen Panettiere’s death as ‘sudden’

When Jansen passed away, Panettiere’s parents, Lesley Vogul and Skip Panettiere, stated that his “sudden passing was attributed to cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and aortic valve issues.”

“With great pain, we announce the unexpected loss of our beloved Jansen,” the family disclosed.

Cardiomegaly can arise from various causes, the most common being high blood pressure, as indicated by Mayo Clinic. Many individuals may show no symptoms, while others may experience shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythms, or swelling in the abdomen or limbs.