Following his last episode, fans can still look forward to his tribute during the soap’s 15,000th episode

DAYS of Our Lives confirmed when soap legend Bill Hayes’s last episode will air following his sad death earlier this year.

As viewers prepare for Bill’s final time on the big screen, fans have expressed they “aren’t ready to say goodbye.”

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Days of Our Lives confirmed Bill Hayes’ final episode seven months after the beloved actor passed awayCredit: Getty Images

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As viewers prepare for Bill’s final episode, fans have expressed they ‘aren’t ready to say goodbye’Credit: YouTube

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Over the years, fans saw Bill’s onscreen and off-screen romance to Susan HayesCredit: Getty Images
Bill has iconically played Doug Williams since the ’70s, capturing the hearts of many.

Seven months after the soap star’s death, Days of Our Lives confirmed his last episode will premiere on July 11 on Soap Opera Digest.

Ironically, his final scene marks the same day his widow, Susan Seaforth Hayes, was born.

Aside from their real-life romance, Susan also played Bill’s onscreen wife.

After details of Bill’s last episode emerged, fans took to social media to say they weren’t prepared to say their goodbyes.

“I am not ready to say goodbye to Bill Hayes,” said one social media user.

“Even though we had months to prepare for Doug(Bill Hayes) last day working and his TV passing, I’m going to cry so hard and long, said another.

A third wrote, “Glad Mr. Hayes lived to play out scenes as Doug in the newly rebuilt Horton House set.

“A fitting tribute to a wonderful performer. His character’s upcoming funeral will be MUST SEE TV.”

One fan said they were happy to get a week-advanced notice as they’ll “have my tissues handy… How lucky we are to have enjoyed their onscreen romance.”

Days of our Lives writer reveals how 15,000th episode will ‘honor’ late star Bill Hayes and his character Doug Williams

SAD LOSS

Bill’s final episode comes seven months after the soap star passed away on January 12, 2024.

Deadline reported the actor’s passing with a statement by the show’s executive producer, Ken Corday.

“I have known Bill for most of my life, and he embodied the heart and soul of Days of Our Lives,” Ken said.

“Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”

Following his death, head writer Rob Carlivati said they plan to honor Bill in their 15,000th episode, which takes place in November.

“People are aware that Bill Hayes passed away and that ultimately, we would write Doug Williams’ passing into the show and I decided to center our 15,000th episode around that,” Rob said.

“We worked hard to honor Bill and Dough and also use it as a way to celebrate the show and celebrate this milestone.”

LONGTIME LOVE

Bill Hayes is survived by his longtime wife, Susan.

The two tied the knot in real life on October 12, 1974.

Susan, who plays Julie Williams, began her stint on the show two years before her future husband did.

Over the years, Days of Our Lives fans saw the two fall in love onscreen while tending to their real-life romance.

Viewers captured the couple getting married on the show in 1976.

Before marrying Susan, Bill shared five children with his ex-wife, Mary Hobbs.

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Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes tied the knot in 1974Credit: FilmMagic

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Bill joined Days of Our Lives in 1970 — two years after his wife, Susan, didCredit: Getty Images