Hayden Panettiere Ex Brian Hickerson Still Hopes to Marry Her

Brian Hickerson says he still dreams of a future with Hayden Panettiere, even though they’ve been through a painful, legally charged past.

Hayden Panettiere’s relationship history just got more emotionally charged. and it’s coming from the man who once stood beside her—Brian Hickerson.. In a new conversation tied to Panettiere’s upcoming memoir. the former couple’s complicated story is back in the spotlight. with Hickerson admitting he still holds out hope for a future that could include marriage.

Hickerson sat down with Charlie Neff ahead of Panettiere’s memoir. “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” When Neff asked whether he ever thinks about marrying the former “Nashville” actress one day. Hickerson answered directly. saying that of course he does.. He then added that while he hopes a new chapter could happen between them. he also acknowledges that Panettiere may not feel the same way.

As the interview deepened. Hickerson shifted from romance to reflection. laying out the tension between what he still wants and what he believes is best for her.. He described Panettiere as one of the most talented people he’s ever met. and framed his own decision-making as something he’s earned through experience—saying he would be “an idiot” not to step back so she can focus on her career and “flourish.”

That sentiment quickly became the central idea of why he thinks they might ultimately be better apart.. Hickerson suggested that they probably wouldn’t be good together, even if feelings and admiration remain.. It’s a painful contrast: he expresses ongoing longing. yet also insists he’s aware of the damage their relationship caused and the way it played out.

Despite the harsh reality of their past, there are also signs the connection never completely disappeared.. The two were photographed together at an airport back in March, sparking speculation they may have rekindled things.. Hickerson. however. described their current dynamic as more of a friendship grounded in mutual respect. even while stating plainly. “I miss Hayden every day.”

Still, Hickerson didn’t try to soften the darker parts of their timeline.. He admitted to major regrets. saying he went into “such a dark place” involving drugs and alcohol during their time together.. He also addressed how their relationship shifted from dating to something that spiraled into serious legal consequences.

Panettiere and Hickerson dated on and off from 2018 to 2022, and during that stretch their relationship became entangled in legal drama.. Hickerson pleaded no contest to felony domestic violence charges. received jail time. was placed on probation. and faced a five-year restraining order.. Those details remain a key part of why the idea of “hope” carries so much weight now—because it isn’t just nostalgia. it’s a reckoning with what happened.

With Panettiere preparing to share her perspective in “This Is Me: A Reckoning. ” Hickerson’s comments also raise the question of how public reflection will land for audiences who have watched the story unfold over the years.. If her memoir adds new texture to the relationship timeline. his emotional candor suggests he’s bracing for scrutiny while still trying to be honest about how he feels.

Meanwhile, the interview is also described as wide-ranging, covering more than just romance.. Viewers are set to hear what Hickerson says about his feelings tied to the memoir. along with his thoughts about Panettiere’s ex-fiancé and daughter’s father. Wladimir Klitschko.. For fans. that means the conversation isn’t just an update on one past relationship—it’s a broader window into the web of connections that have surrounded Panettiere’s personal life.

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