The soap community faced deep sadness with the passing of Bill Hayes earlier this year in January. One of the individuals most affected by this loss was his real-life and reel-life wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, who has portrayed Julie Williams on “Days of our Lives” for decades.
Beginning last week, the show began honoring Bill and his iconic character Doug Williams, culminating in a heartfelt memorial this week that featured the return of many beloved stars.
The episode included Susan delivering a eulogy that mirrored the one she gave at Bill’s memorial back in February. Adding a poignant touch, Liz Chandler (Gloria Loring) sang one of Bill Hayes’ and Doug’s favorite songs, “I’ll Be Loving You, Always.” The episode goes down in the soap history books as one of the greatest tributes ever written—job well done, Days team!
Following the episodes, Susan took to Instagram to express her gratitude with a statement that read, “For all of you who have joined me in spirit through the days of Billy’s passing and Doug’s memorial on Days of Our Lives, I thank you. It was a privilege to share my joy in his life with so many via television. Our Corday Family honored us with a particular love story that began 54 years ago in front of a television camera and ended there, too. How amazing!
My darling was a steadfast, inspiring father to five children. He helped build a hospital in Africa, starred on Broadway for Rodgers and Hammerstein, conducted choirs… and I could never tell you the half of it. He held me up with love so true. That’s all that keeps me or Julie standing now… recalling those glorious yesterdays and looking forward to more tomorrows.”
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