Days of Our Lives stars Bill and Susan Hayes were married more than 50 years ago and remained a beloved on-screen and off-screen soap couple until Bill’s passing on January 12. Now, Susan has finally released a statement about her beloved husband’s death.

Susan Hayes Is Grateful For Your Support

On the morning on January 18, 2024, Susan took to Instagram to post some old photos of herself and her late husband from the 1970s that appear to have been taken in a photo booth. Next to the photos, she shared a sweet message with fans:

To all of you who honored my Billy with a word of remembrance, a sense of personal loss, or even a tear- I thank you,” Hayes wrote. “You touched my heart by seeing in him the goodness and joy I experienced every moment of our wonderful marriage. May we all embrace life with the gusto of Bill Hayes- and enrich it with grace and love ♥️ xx Susan.”

Bill And Susan Hayes’ Storied Romance

The Hayeses met on the Days set in 1970 when Bill was cast as Doug Williams, an ex-con lounge singer who fell for Susan’s Julie, an impulsive young woman with a young son named David. Bill and Susan married in 1974 and two years later, Doug and Julie wed for the first time.

Bill passed away at the age of 98 after being prominently featured in DAYS’ most recent Christmas episode. Since DAYS tapes months ahead, we will still see more scenes with Bill playing Doug. After news of his passing broke, DAYS Executive Producer Ken Corday released a statement saying:

“I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of our Lives. Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”

Days of Our Lives streams weekdays on Peacock starting at 6 AM EST. Remember, you can always find the latest DAYS spoilers, recaps, and news on Facebook at Days of Our Lives Daily. Also, meet fellow fans and talk all things DAYS with our Facebook community group.