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It’s been a bit of a wild ride for fans of Nashville over the last few years. For starters, the fan favorite was cancelled by ABC while seemingly still in the peak of its prime back in May of last year. Try as we did to stream other shows, it just wasn’t the same. Then, somehow, some way, our prayers were answered, with one network’s loss being another’s gain, and CMT swooped in to pick up TV’s most-loved fallen soldier. Season five premiered in January to much fanfare, but now, fans have been dealt yet another blow, and this is one they might NEVER recover from.
After five seasons as the show’s lead, Rayna Jaymes (played by Connie Britton) was tragically killed off in a plot twist that broke the collective hearts of “Nashies” everywhere. As executive producer Marshall Herskovitz told TV Guide, “I think Connie assumed that the show was over [after being cancelled]. She just felt she needed to move on.” And so, after surviving a car crash some weren’t sure she’d pull through, she was taken to the hospital for surgery, where fans saw her say goodbye to her family before passing away (nooooo!).
Even prior to the show’s airing, rumors were swirling that our gal might not make it through the ep, and fans were NOT having it.
I swear to god if I watch the new episode and rayna jaymes is dead the cmt Twitter will have to block me Bc I will incessantly tweet them
— sam || hayley trash (@AlwaysJisbon) February 24, 2017
if anything happens to rayna jaymes this episode there will be hell to pay you hear me HELL TO PAY
— andy barron (@andybarron) February 24, 2017
And once the shock event actually occurred, Twitter was all kinds of hot mess.
Me for the rest of my life because Rayna Jaymes died tonight. pic.twitter.com/Kq9g6sWuOj
— Kristin Van Zandt 🌻 (@KMVZ17) February 24, 2017
goodnight if u dont hear from me tomorrow it's because rayna jaymes have died and i will be in my bed sobbing the entire day long
— #riprayna (@abigailsgriffin) February 23, 2017
Alright now Rayna Jaymes is dead I'm DONE WITH EVERYTHING #NashvilleCMT
— Victoria Michelle (@victoriamich93) February 24, 2017
@leocasteIlano pic.twitter.com/BtwIVF0nIE
— rayna jaymes (@julietbxrke) February 24, 2017
can i skip school tomorrow because rayna jaymes is dead
— rayna jaymes (@julietbxrke) February 24, 2017
I've just been sitting in the dark for the last hour contemplating life bc RAYNA JAYMES GUYS RAYNA FREAKIN JAYMES pic.twitter.com/sw11ThdLQd
— Aubrey VanSickel (@aubreyvansickel) February 24, 2017
@HeatherSchucha3 it legit feels like Rayna Jaymes was a human being cause that's the only way to explain it hurtin so dam much #NashvilleCMT
— Coco (@SpenceCoco) February 24, 2017
Some tried to look at the bright side…
"we get to chose to be happy. because we deserve it." it's good to know rayna jaymes is still the queen of feminism even on her deathbed.
— juliette™ || 6!!! (@leocasteIlano) February 24, 2017
But ultimately, today wasn’t any better.
Tomorrow:
Me: *calls into work* um I can't come in today, there was a death in the family.
Boss: I'm sorry, who was it?
Me: Rayna Jaymes.
— Sara(h) (@myownsunshinee) February 24, 2017
i woke up and Rayna Jaymes is still dead so that's how today is gonna go
— ______ (@littlebigtxwns) February 24, 2017
good morning teddy conrad is alive and kicking but rayna jaymes is dead life is senselessly cruel
— juliette™ || 6!!! (@leocasteIlano) February 24, 2017
And as for the haters? They have something to say to them, as well:
people: "it's just a tv show"
me: pic.twitter.com/pjXD9QmBGU— rayna jaymes (@julietbxrke) February 24, 2017
The best social media response of all, however, had to come from Rayna (AKA Connie Britton) herself, who penned this super sentimental ode to 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. 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 Ryana. 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.”
Wow! Thank you, indeed, Rayna Jaymes. Thank you indeed.
Are you heartbroken over Rayna’s loss? Tell us over @BritandCo.
(Photos via Nicholas Hunt/Getty)
