Salem and the entire Days of Our Lives community are witnessing a truly extraordinary moment as beloved star Susan Seaforth Hayes, at 81, takes to social media to share an emotional journey. What she initially believed would be a painful farewell has blossomed into a profoundly joyful experience as she donates some of her late husband, Bill Hayes’s, most treasured belongings.
From Grief to Joy: Susan’s Poignant Journey of Remembrance
In a powerful Instagram post, Hayes shared a photo of boxes filled with bound scripts, alongside a heartfelt caption. “What I feared would be a painful goodbye turned into a joyful hello today,” she wrote. This morning, she made a heartfelt gift of her husband’s prized collection of bound scripts from “Your Show of Shows” to the esteemed Writer’s Guild Foundation. Billy, as Susan affectionately called him, was the romantic tenor of “Your Show of Shows” in the 1950s, a cherished part of his career before his Broadway debut. He had purchased these unique bound volumes from the heirs of Max Liebman, the iconic variety show’s producer. The foundation’s spacious library in Hollywood is open to the public, offering a chance for all to “see, read, and enjoy scripts from America’s greatest films and TV shows”.
A Legacy Preserved: Billy’s Memories Honored Forever
Susan’s decision stemmed from a profound desire to ensure Billy’s cherished memories found a permanent home where “creative achievement in writing for entertainment is preserved and honored forever”. She expressed her deep belief that Billy is now “as happy as I am now ❤️”, finding solace in this beautiful act of remembrance. The archivist at the foundation, Hilary Swett, was described as “charming, helpful, and enthusiastic,” making the emotional process even smoother for Susan.
The Unstoppable Wave of Support: Viewers’ Heartfelt Reactions
Following Hayes’s deeply personal revelation, the viewing community immediately rallied, showering her with an outpouring of support in the comments. Their messages resonated with shared grief, admiration, and a deep connection to the enduring legacy of Doug and Julie. “My mother LOVED to watch him sing on Your Show of Shows!! She had quite the crush on him— she dragged her sister to see And Juliet on Broadway so that she could see Bill Hayes!!” one user passionately shared. Another added, “👏wonderful a blessing to all generations to come the right decision I want to go to the writer’s guild and read those scripts myself! Bills legacy will leave on and on love and hugs always keep moving forward dear one at your own pace❤️”. A third commented, “Thank you for sharing. I didn’t know this and will certainly make time to visit. P.S. I watched Days as a kid with my grandmother and always loved Doug and Julie ❤️”. And a fourth user summed up the sentiment, “That is so special. that you would donate those special scripts for others to enjoy now too! You and Bill have always been some of my favorites on Days!”.
A Timeless Love Story: The Legacy of Doug and Julie Endures
This poignant tribute comes after the passing of Bill Hayes on January 12, 2024. His loss left an immense void in the hearts of both Susan and millions of Days of Our Lives viewers who cherished his portrayal of Doug Williams alongside Susan’s Julie Olson Williams. Their on-screen romance as Doug and Julie transcended the screen, becoming one of daytime’s most beloved and enduring supercouples. Susan’s act of preserving Bill’s history ensures that his remarkable legacy, both as an entertainer and a cherished partner, will continue to inspire and touch lives for generations to come.
What are your favorite memories of Bill Hayes or Doug and Julie? Share your thoughts and tributes below!