It’s been a long tumultuous year for Nashville fans.

Then in June we found out that CMT would renew the show on their channel, and on Monday we found out that Nashville would be back on our screens in January. The fifth of January, to be precise.

All was right in the world.

The country music gods had spoken.

But now it seems that Rayna James, played by Connie Britton, owner of Connie Britton’s hair, may only be returning to the season for 10 episodes.

Yep, 10 short episodes.

WHAT?

According to EW, Britton only plans on sticking around for 10 episodes. While Hayden Panettiere, who plays Juliette Barnes, has signed on for the whole thing.

So how can Nashville exist without Rayna James?

We aren't really sure.

Sure, the show will go on, considering Charles Esten, Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen, Lennon Stella, Maisy Stella and Chris Carmack aka Deacon, Gunner, Avery, Scarlett, Maddie, Daphne and Luke are all set to return.

And I am sure there is someone who can replace the bitchiness.

But who is Deacon going to love?

Who is going to believe in the younger musicians?

WHO'S HAIR ARE WE GOING TO ADMIRE?

And how will she leave?

Perhaps she'll be assassinated on stage. Or maybe she will be killed by Deacon in a drunken stupor who will then spend the rest of his life in the same jail as Rayna's ex husband Teddy. Or maybe, she'll just go on tour.

But that seems a little boring.

Only time will tell, we suppose.

In the meantime, we can listen to

Scarlett

Clare Bowen tell us what Britton is like in real life: