General Hospital fans are still reeling from the shocking exit of longtime star Kelly Monaco. Now, Carolyn Hennesy, who plays Diane Miller, is opening up about the emotional aftermath of losing her friend and co-star. Speaking candidly at the Beverly Hills launch of Aspiring Magazine’s spring issue, Hennesy shared heartfelt reflections on Monaco’s departure and offered fans a glimmer of hope.

We All Miss Her”: Carolyn Shares Her Truth
Carolyn didn’t hold back when asked about the controversial exit. She confirmed what many viewers have been feeling—that Kelly’s departure left a hole in the cast and audience alike. “Fans have a right to be upset,” she said. “She was there for so long. We all miss her.” Hennesy reminisced about their bond on set, describing Monaco as “intense but joyful.” One of her favorite memories, she recalled, was getting Kelly to laugh. “That was one of the great joys.”

But even with their shared memories, Carolyn admitted she has no idea why Monaco was let go. The decision, she noted, felt as sudden to the cast as it did to the fans. “It’s like a family member has gone to the great beyond,” she said. “And we don’t know why.”

The Soap Opera Factor: Is Sam Really Gone From General Hospital?
Despite the heartbreak, Hennesy reminded fans of one key truth—nothing in soap operas is ever truly final. She explained that in a show like General Hospital, death is rarely the end. “It’s a soap opera: here today, gone tomorrow,” she said. “But also with the possibility of rebirth.”

This means fans shouldn’t count Kelly out just yet. “There’s no reason we might not see her again,” Carolyn hinted. “You never know.” That kind of mystery, she added, is what keeps viewers watching. It’s also why fans are still holding on to hope that Sam McCall could somehow return from the grave.

While the show remains quiet about the real reason behind Monaco’s departure, the actress herself once hinted at internal struggles. In a now-deleted Instagram post, she claimed that her character was being “dismantled” into someone unrecognizable. She even called the process “retaliation at its finest.”

Though she never named names or gave details, the post stirred speculation across the fanbase. Still, neither Monaco nor ABC has offered a public explanation. Hennesy, choosing grace over gossip, focused instead on Monaco’s legacy. She praised her professionalism and the connection they built on set, choosing not to feed into the controversy but acknowledging the confusion.

Empowerment Through Diane
As the conversation shifted to her own journey, Carolyn reflected on how playing Diane Miller has empowered her personally. “She started out all about money,” Hennesy shared. “But she became so much more.” Diane, she explained, is smart, bold, and fierce—a character who’s inspired women across the country.

Over the years, Hennesy has heard countless women say, “I want to be Diane when I grow up.” She confessed she shares that feeling too. “It’s very gratifying,” she said. “Playing Diane has made me stronger.” The connection between actor and character runs deep, and for Carolyn, it’s been nothing short of transformative.

The future remains uncertain for Sam McCall. But if Carolyn Hennesy’s words are any indication, the door isn’t closed forever. General Hospital thrives on surprises, and comebacks are part of its DNA. While fans continue to miss Monaco, they’ll also keep watching—hoping for one more twist that brings Sam back.

General Hospital is never short on drama, but few exits have shaken the fanbase like Kelly Monaco’s. Whether she returns or not, her legacy lives on in every scene and every viewer who still believes her story isn’t finished. For more updates, casting scoops, and behind-the-scenes buzz from General Hospital, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily.