Hayden Panettiere has opened up about her relationship with her daughter, Kaya Klitschko, highlighting the unique bond they share despite the geographical distance. Kaya, who is 11 years old, currently resides in Ukraine with her father, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko. In a recent interview with Gayle King for CBS Mornings, the actress conveyed her gratitude for the close connection she maintains with her daughter, despite their separation.
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Panettiere, aged 36, expressed her joy in having a strong relationship with Kaya, mentioning her efforts to travel to Ukraine as often as possible and their frequent FaceTime calls. “I’m so blessed to have a great relationship with her,” she remarked, adding that Kaya is increasingly using the term “Mommy” during their conversations. Her motherly pride was evident as she recounted a recent instance in which Kaya, in a playful moment, referred to her as “Britney,” a nod to Panettiere’s character in the film *Bring It On: All or Nothing*.
The use of “Britney” caught Panettiere off guard initially, but she quickly realised that her daughter’s friends, who are evidently fans of the movie, had inspired this affectionate nickname. “I was like, Oh my gosh! She’s now asking me to Zoom with her friends. I’m cool now!” she light-heartedly added, reflecting her delight in Kaya’s newfound admiration.
However, the actress also touched upon the more serious aspects of her life, particularly the “heartbreaking” narrative surrounding her decision to sign over custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018. This decision came as Panettiere was undergoing treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse issues. On the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty, she revealed the profound emotional toll that the separation had taken on her. “That was incredibly difficult,” she stated, acknowledging the complexity of feelings she experienced during that tumultuous period.
Panettiere described herself as a “mother lion,” fiercely protective of her child, and conveyed her willingness to go to extraordinary lengths for Kaya’s well-being. She shared her belief that Klitschko’s decision for their daughter to remain in Europe while she sought help was ultimately in Kaya’s best interest. “The fact that my child wasn’t going to be with me all day, every day was… you can’t put words to it,” Panettiere explained, emphasising the intensity of the experience.
As Kaya settled into life in Europe, it was evident that she was thriving and forming her own friendships, as well as developing language skills thanks to her father’s influence. This transformation remained in Panettiere’s thoughts as she recovered, leading her to conclude that uprooting Kaya from this life would have been both unfair and selfish. “It would have been unfair of me to, and selfish of me to try to pull her out of this life that she had been [creating],” Panettiere reflected, speaking fondly of the “incredible life” Kaya had built.
The path that led Panettiere to her current state of acceptance and happiness has been far from easy. She has spent significant time focusing on her recovery and has sought to embrace this new chapter in her life, including the evolving relationship with her daughter. Panettiere’s commitment to becoming a better mother is a powerful testament to her resilience and growth as she continues to navigate her personal challenges.
As she balances her career and motherhood, Panettiere’s narrative serves as an encouraging reminder of the complexities of parenthood and the varying forms that love can take. Her current perspective highlights the importance of understanding and support, revealing how familial bonds can flourish even amidst difficulties.
In sharing her story, Panettiere opens a dialogue about the realities of single parenting, recovery, and the enduring love between a mother and her child, regardless of the circumstances that may divide them.