In a deeply moving and personal tribute, Days of Our Lives star Susan Seaforth Hayes has shared a poignant chapter of her life since the passing of her beloved husband, Bill Hayes. Bill, who played the iconic character Doug Williams and was married to Susan both on and off-screen, passed away in January 2024 at the age of 98. While the show has already paid its respects in touching on-screen scenes, Susan’s recent social media post provided a raw and beautiful glimpse into her personal journey of grief and love.
Susan took to Instagram to share a series of beautiful pictures, including one of her visiting Bill’s resting place. The post was a testament to her strength and her loving reflections on a life shared with her husband. Alongside the photos, which also featured a stunning sunset on Lake Michigan and a moment with a young friend, Susan offered some heartfelt wisdom. She advised her followers, “I advise anyone over 40 to cultivate young friends. Their support and companionship is quite different from your old friends and keeps you in the thick of life.”
Her words painted a vivid picture of her close-knit family, a legacy she and Bill built together. She continued, “I am blessed with six grandsons – each one endowed with the genes of Bill Hayes, each one married to a top-tier lady.” She spoke of their shared love and purpose, and how she was able to “mingle with a crowd of them in Michigan this weekend.” The visit included a trip to “my husband’s last resting place, where I will join him one day.” It was a “private time, a poignant time, a perfect time” filled with “laughs and kisses, cherry pie, and a sunset cruise.” The powerful imagery of her visit to his grave, coupled with the joy of being surrounded by the family they created, speaks volumes about a love that transcends time.
The post was met with an outpouring of love and support from her Days of Our Lives co-stars and devoted fans. Cherie Jimenez (Gabi) and Kristian Alfonso (Hope) shared heart emojis, while Martha Madison (Belle) called the post “Beautiful.” Mary Beth Evans (Kayla) simply wrote, “Love you,” capturing the sentiment of their long-standing friendship.
Fans were particularly moved by her words and photos, with one follower commenting, “Susan. What a beautiful post. Thank you❤️ Your family is truly fortunate to have you. Beautiful tribute to your beloved Bill❤️.” Another fan, who had been watching the show since they were a toddler, expressed their devotion, saying, “Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful treasure. I was such a fan of your beloved husband. I was a toddler one days of our lives, began…I love watching the old scenes when you first appeared as Julie and I loved watching you and Doug grow as a couple. Much love to you, Mrs. Hayes.”
This heartfelt tribute is more than just a social media post; it’s a testament to an enduring love story that captivated audiences for decades. Susan’s willingness to share her journey of grief and remembrance with her fans and colleagues has made her an even more beloved figure. Her strength in the face of such a profound loss, and her ability to find joy and comfort in her family’s love, is an inspiration to all who have followed her and Bill’s journey. The legacy of their love story continues to live on, both on and off the screen, reminding us all of the power of a deep and lasting connection.
