'She's Pulling Herself Together': Hayden Panettiere Forges Ahead After Life Serves Her A Rough Patch

It looks like Heroes alum Hayden Panettiere hasn’t needed superpowers to restart her life. 

The actress, 31, who has largely been lying low, was seen sauntering through LAX airport recently, decked out in stylish duds akin to those she donned as celebrity singer Juliette Barnes on the late NBC series Nashville, and a mile wide smile. 

"For Hayden, 2020 was rough" said a source. "But she's pulling herself together and doing better."

HAYDEN PANETTIERE SUFFERED FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, STILL WANTS A HUGE FAMILY!

The sighting is a step in a positive direction for the troubled actress, whose behavior sparked concern with friends, family and fans in 2018. As OK! previously reported, she was caught ditching her shoes and acting out-of-sorts outside of an L.A. club. 

Though her behavior was erratic, it wasn’t entirely surprising due to her troubled home life. 

In June, Panettiere’s relationship with Brian Hickerson screeched to an end after Hickerson was charged with eight counts of domestic assault and violence for events dating back to May 2019. 

In a plot line right out of soapy-Nashville, Hickerson turned himself in to authorities after allegedly threatening to reveal sensitive information about Panettiere. The troubled starlet decided to share her story with the hope that it would help others in abusive relationships. 

"The drama with Brian really took a toll on her," the source added. "What got her through was family and friends They were so supportive of her."      

Thankfully, Panettiere can now build on her relationship with 6-year-old daughter Kaya, who has been kept from her mama’s drama where she resides in Ukraine with her father, the star’s ex-fiance, boxing champ Wladimir Klitschko.

While Panettiere could not make it to Ukraine for Kaya’s 6th birthday due to travel restrictions, the distanced family celebrated virtually. She even proudly shared a photo of her little one’s cake, captioning it, "6 years ago today, I met the most amazing (not so little anymore) creature. Can’t believe my baby girl is getting so big!"

'She’s taking control of her life and is making good choices,' said an OK! insider. 

Up next for her career? Panettiere may take on projects that showcase her acting chops and the dynamic singing voice that helped her garner two Golden Globe Awards for her work in Nashville. Either way, it is clear that she is looking ahead.