'Nashville' Star Exits the Show After 'Devastating' Twist
TV

One of the show's lead stars is leaving the music drama series, citing 'personal' and 'creative' reasons.

AceShowbiz - Say goodbye to your favorite "Nashville" character! [SPOILER ALERT!] After a brush with death when she was held at knifepoint by a crazed stalker, Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton) was involved in a car crash that required her to undergo emergency surgery for shattered pelvis and hip. She got through the surgery, but eventually succumbed to injuries she suffered in the accident.

In a statement released after the episode aired on Thursday, February 23, Britton says, "Playing Rayna has been a privilege and a deeply enriching experience for me. I am going to miss her grace, tenacity and feistiness. And I'm forever grateful and indebted to our unbelievably talented cast and crew, and to the Nashville community amongst whom I have had the honor to work."

She adds, "And then there are the fans. Wow. I'm so humbled by our incredible fans for their unwavering passion and commitment. They are the reason the show exists, and the reason the show will continue. I'll be watching and cheering alongside all of you. Thanks for the honor of these 5 years."

Just like many feel about the twist, Britton says, "It's devastating." In an interview with EW, the actress explains her decision to leave the show. "There were many reasons," she says, before adding, "I think [the length of time] had something to do with it. 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 I'm 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."

Asked if money was a factor since it's often the case when shows change networks, she quickly responds, "No, money was not a factor."

On shooting the final scene where Daphne's friends show up at the hospital to sing in Rayna's room, Britton recalls, "We could not get through it. Those blessed girls - who I love with every ounce of my being - they could not get through the song. I don't know how many takes we did where they couldn't sing more than three words of the song. It took awhile. I'm laying there, supposedly dying, and I had tears pouring down my cheeks. It was a very tough week. There were a lot of tears all around. The crew, as well."

Britton also posts a lengthy message on Instagram along with a picture of her character. "Thank you Rayna Jaymes. For your magic and your dignity. And thank you to all the creators of Rayna Jaymes, for there were many. ... 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."

"But finally and most importantly, the fans," she adds, "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."

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 there’s 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

Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh connie britton (@conniebritton) pada

"Nashville" season 5 airs Thursdays at 9 P.M. on CMT. There are two episodes left before the midseason finale.

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