Shocker! ‘Nashville’ Kills Off Major Character

Many are still reeling from last night's episode of “Nashville,” in which one of the show's main stars was killed off!

In the episode, Connie Britton's character Rayna James passed away from the injuries she sustained in last week's episode. Lying in a hospital bed, Rayna was surrounded by her husband Deacon and daughters Maddie and Daphne as she passed away.

After the heartbreaking episode aired, Connie took to Instagram to share a touching message to fans and her “Nashville” family. She wrote on Instagram, "Thank you Rayna James. For your magic and your dignity. And thank you to all the creators of Rayna James, for there were many. Callie Khouri, who gave her life. Deacon, Maddie, Daphne, who shaped her as her family. … 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.”

Her co-stars Charles Esten, Maisy Stella, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Sam Palladio also showed some love for Connie after her character's sad death. Charles posted a pic of their chairs on set and wrote, "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."

See more social media posts from Connie's “Nashville” co-stars below!