Get out the hankies, y'all.

In the roller coaster ride of Rayna James' life on "Nashville," last night's turn was shocking, tragic, and completely heartbreaking. Spoilers ahead!

Last night, Rayna James, the brightest star in the "Nashville" sky, died from injuries sustained during (yet another) car crash. The character's death came about because Connie Britton wanted to move on from the series. "It's devastating," Britton told Entertainment Weekly of Rayna's passing.

There were rumors after the country music drama moved from ABC to CMT that Britton would only appear in about half the season.

Britton penned a note to fans, saying, "It has been an honor to be a part of that creation," she wrote. "And as I know (Rayna) would want it, the show must, and will go on. Long live Rayna Jaymes."

New showrunner Marshall Herskovitz, who came in this season with partner Ed Zwick, explained to TV Line that death was the only viable option in writing out Britton.

And what now for "Nashville," without Rayna? The show, and the music, will go on. "

"As great as Connie is and Rayna was, it was never just one person," Herskovitz said. "It's still this vibrant passionate creative world of people who live their lives in a way that has a fire beneath it. That's always been the heart of 'Nashville.'"

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