WARNING: Many spoilers ahead for Nashville Season 5, Episode 9.After last weeks Nashville episode, many fans were worried that Connie Brittons character Rayna Jaymes might not make it through Season 5. Well, turns out they were right.In a heartbreaking twist, after Rayna survived a stalker attack, a car crash and emergency surgery,everyones favorite on-screen country singer, mother and friend died following medical complications in the final moments of Thursdays episode. Surrounded by her longtime love Deacon (Charles Esten) and her daughters Maddie and Daphne (Lennon and Maisy Stella), Rayna peacefully, but prematurely, said goodbye ' and Nashies everywhere lost it. But Britton herself made sure to let the fans know right away how much playing Rayna has meant to her over the years, and how their support allowed this story to be told. The actress took to Instagram after the episode aired to share the following note and photo:Thank you Rayna Jaymes. For your magic and your dignity. And thank you to all the creators of Rayna Jaymes, for there were many. Callie Khouri, who gave her life. Deacon, Maddie, Daphne, who shaped her as her family. Teddy, Tandy, Lamar too. Juliette, Scarlett, Bucky and the ones who crafted her into a business woman. Along with countless other compatriots and combatants. And then of course the crew of Nashville who brought her to life, every crew member in every department who made Rayna live each week.And then theres the music. T Bone, Buddy, Tim, Frankie and all the brilliant songwriters who gave Rayna a voice. There was no music, and no Rayna, without you.But finally and most importantly, the fans. You made Rayna. You supported her and loved her and gave her inspiration just as she was able to inspire you. You were the energy source, the power behind her heart and soul and life. Rayna lived for you. And, from the depths of my heart, I thank you, for her and for me. It has been an honor to be a part of that creation. And as I know she would want it, the show must, and will go on. Long live Rayna Jaymes. #RIPRayna #NashvilleCMT A post shared by connie britton (@conniebritton) on Feb 23, 2017 at 7:04pm PST Britton also spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the devastating episode,explaining that, yes, she was ready to move on, but it had nothing to do with the shows move from ABC to CMT.It really felt like we would be in a good place and this would be the time to start talking about Raynas departure, she said. [Showrunner] Marshall [Herskovitz] came up with this story and it felt right. I told him, I want to do justice to this character, this character shes so special to me. Im kind of choked up even talking to you. Rayna means so much to me and so does the audience of Nashville and to me that was priority number one. Whatever we did had to honor the character and honor the show and feel like we were doing it right.Although it was reported that salary was a factor in the decision, Britton totally shot down that idea.No, money was not a factor. I think [the length of time] had something to do with it, she said. As actors we always want to keep challenging ourselves. Let me just say there were a lot of reasons. Some of them were personal and some were creative, and Im probably not going to get much more detailed than that. There were a lot of things at play, and ultimately it was about making sure the show was in a good place.Nashville will, of course, continue on without Britton, as stars like Hayden Panettiere, Clare Bowen, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Chris Carmack, Esten and the Stella sisters are still on board. But Rayna Jaymes, the heart and soul of the show, will be sorely missed.Brittons co-stars made sure to remind the fans of that by posting tributes to Rayna on social media. I took this picture almost 5 years ago on my first day of shooting #nashville with @conniebritton. I was already a fan. Now, after all this time, she's my friend. And I'm an even bigger fan. I'm grateful for every scene, and for every song, and I wish her nothing but the very best. ' #deaconandrayna A post shared by Charles Esten (@charles_esten) on Feb 23, 2017 at 10:08pm PST Connie has taught me everything I know as an actor. She has been a set mother to me since I was 8. She has been someone I look up to so much. Rayna Jaymes is a character that inspired and changed people's lives. I love you. RIP Rayna. Thank you Connie for being such an amazing person. Yoby is a lucky boy. -Maisy A post shared by Lennon and Maisy Stella (@lennonandmaisyofficial) on Feb 23, 2017 at 11:19pm PST Thankyou for inspiring both Scarlett, and myself, from day one. We love you so much. ' #NashvilleCMT https://t.co/hxhiZvICrY Clare Bowen (@clarembee) February 24, 2017 This episode is ripping my heart out... @CharlesEsten @CallieKhouri ... #NashvilleCMT #Nashies Chris Carmack (@RealCarmack) February 24, 2017 -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Click here to read full news..
