Connie Britton may depart 'Nashville' after Season 5

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Connie Britton's time on Nashville is reportedly coming to a close.

The 49-year-old actress, who plays Rayna James on the musical drama, will leave the series after Season 5, according to news outlets.

Entertainment Weekly reported Britton will appear in just 10 of 22 episodes in the new season. Sources said negotiations are ongoing and that producers remain hopeful the actress will sign on for more episodes.

Insiders previously told TV Guide that Rayna will plan her comeback as a performer in Season 5. The character will also reportedly cross paths with a seemingly-helpful app developer and superfan with secret "nefarious plans."

CMT announced in a press release Wednesday that Season 5 will premiere Jan. 5, 2017. The network picked up the series in June following its cancellation at ABC.

"Beginning with Nashville in January, each series will help launch the next; creating an overlay to cycle viewers through our originals year round," CMT head of development Jayson Dinsmore said.

Hayden Panettiere, who plays Juliette Barnes, is expected to return for the full season. The 27-year-old actress had announced her return to rehab for postpartum depression in May the same day as Nashville's cancellation.