As Days of Our Lives is about to reach its latest milestone, the long-running soap will offer a tribute to late cast-member Bill Hayes. A few scenes from the upcoming episode have already come to light. Susan Seaforth-Hayes, who was married to Hayes both in real life and on the show, has also shared what to expect.

Bill Hayes’ Final Appearance On The Show Was In July

Hayes actually started his career as a singer before switching to acting. In 1970, he took on the role of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives.

The character famously formed one of the first soap opera supercouples with Julie Olson. Notably, Hayes and Julie’s actress, Susan Seaforth, married in real life in 1974.

Hayes passed away on January 12, 2024, at the age of 98. His final appearance on Days of Our Lives was in July of that year, airing months after the actor’s passing.

On December 2, the soap will air its milestone 15,000th episode. The upcoming episode is expected to be filled with tributes to Hayes.

As noted by People, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, in-character as Julie, shared, “It’s time, time to say goodbye” in a clip of the upcoming episode. While noting she’s “lost the love of my life today,” Julie also comments “But I feel love all around me from all of you,” while looking at those who showed up to honor Doug.

Hope Brady, played by Kristian Alfonso, can then be seen placing flowers at Doug’s grave. She then tearfully shares, “I love you so so much.”

Ahead of the tribute episode, Seaforth-Hayes shared that, “This show has been 54 years of my life. It’s gratifying to be included in the 15,000th episode.” She continued that, “Because of Days, I’ve had a career, a happy marriage, and great experiences with co-workers and fans from all around the world.”

A Promo Has Also Been Released On Instragram

The actress noted that, “My husband Bill was so universally admired, I never grieved alone. The cast, crew, and producers sustained me.” She continued, “For the farewell episode, my eyes will be glued to the screen expecting a perfect tribute to Bill Hayes and to all the cast we’ve been privileged to love for 59 years. I would not miss it for the world.”

“We shoot for the moon 5 days a week and are planning to hit the target for decades more with young cast and mellowed characters, too. We plan to please every generation.”

As previously reported, Seaforth-Hayes also talked with Variety about the upcoming tribute. At the time, she noted she was allowed “to give pretty much the same eulogy [on the show for Doug] that I gave [Bill] at our church. I certainly didn’t expect that.”

The soap’s official Instagram page also shared a promo for the upcoming episode. As it shares, “Next week on #daysofourlives: Salem says goodbye to one of its most cherished members, Doug Williams.”

Are you going to watch the tribute episode? What are your favorite Doug Williams moments from Days of Our Lives? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.