Where Does Nashville's Surprise Death Rank Among TV's Recent Demises?

Y'all better be warned: Spoilers are in this story

By Chris Harnick Feb 24, 2017 2:44 PMTags
Nashville, Connie BrittonCMT

Did y'all see this coming? Nashville said goodbye to one of its songbirds in a surprising twist—this is your spoiler warning.

Connie Britton took her final bow as Rayna Jaymes on the CMT series. Rumors swirled that Britton wouldn't be around Nashville for long after it was revived by CMT following its ABC cancellation. Britton downplayed those rumors at the time, but…she's gone.

Britton said it was her decision to leave the series, she wanted to do it when the timing was right. She posted a lengthy Instagram post following the episode.

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The Most Shocking Deaths in Recent TV History

"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," she wrote.

"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."

Where does Rayna Jaymes' death rank among TV's latest shocking kills? Find out in our ranking now.

Nashville airs Thursdays, 9 p.m. on CMT.