Netflix and fans around the world are mourning the tragic passing of Jenny Cooper, the beloved actress who brought warmth and authenticity to her role as Joey Barnes in Virgin River.

The heartbreaking news has shaken not only the Virgin River cast and crew but also the global fan community that had come to cherish Cooper’s steady presence

in the hit romantic drama. Known for her grace, compassion, and effortless screen charisma, Cooper’s passing marks a profound loss to the Netflix family and to television storytelling at large.

Since its debut in 2019, Virgin River has captured the hearts of millions with its heartfelt portrayal of small-town life, love, and resilience. The series follows Mel Monroe (Alexandra Breckenridge), a nurse practitioner seeking a fresh start in the peaceful town of Virgin River. But amid the heartbreaks, secrets, and second chances, it was Mel’s sister Joey—played with emotional depth by Cooper—who anchored the story with her unwavering loyalty and strength. Joey’s character was Mel’s lifeline, her voice of reason and comfort in times of despair. Through Cooper’s nuanced performance, that sisterly bond became one of the show’s most emotionally grounding threads.

The news of Jenny Cooper’s death has left the Virgin River set in deep mourning. Alexandra Breckenridge shared a tearful tribute on social media, writing, “Jenny was more than my on-screen sister—she was my real friend. Her kindness, humor, and light made every day brighter.” Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan) also spoke about the loss, describing Cooper as “the heartbeat of our show,” adding, “It’s impossible to imagine Virgin River without her laughter echoing through the set.”

Production on Virgin River Season 7 had only just begun when word of Cooper’s passing reached the cast. The show’s creators have reportedly paused filming temporarily to allow time for the team to grieve together. Showrunner Sue Tenney described Cooper as “a guiding light” both on and off camera. “Jenny was the emotional compass of Virgin River. She helped define what this show is really about—love, family, and healing. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit will continue to shape every episode we make.”

As Virgin River continues to explore the intertwined lives of its characters, Cooper’s portrayal of Joey will forever remain a cornerstone of the show’s emotional foundation. Joey was more than a supporting role—she was the emotional glue that connected Mel’s past to her future. Whether through heartfelt phone calls or tearful reunions, Cooper brought warmth and humanity to every scene. Her performance reminded viewers that love and family transcend distance, time, and even tragedy.

Fans have been flooding social media with tributes, using hashtags like #RememberingJennyCooper and #VirginRiverForever to honor her memory. Viewers have been sharing their favorite moments—Joey’s reassuring talks with Mel, her infectious laughter, and her steady guidance during the show’s most dramatic turns. One fan wrote, “Jenny Cooper didn’t just play Joey—she was Joey. She gave us comfort when Mel couldn’t find her own.” The outpouring of emotion is a testament to how deeply Cooper’s performance resonated with audiences worldwide.

Off-screen, Cooper was celebrated for her kindness, professionalism, and advocacy. She was passionate about mental health awareness and often used her platform to encourage compassion and understanding. Her colleagues described her as “the first to show up and the last to leave,” always ready to lend an ear or share a quiet word of encouragement. Her presence brought a sense of calm and unity to the often-hectic world of television production.

Beyond Virgin River, Cooper enjoyed an accomplished acting career. Her credits spanned both film and television, with standout roles in Suits, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI: Miami. Yet it was Virgin River that truly showcased her ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to every performance. She didn’t just act—she connected, making audiences feel seen through her characters.

Netflix has announced that it will dedicate the upcoming season of Virgin River to Jenny Cooper’s memory. Insiders reveal that the writers are crafting a touching tribute within the show to honor both Joey and the woman who brought her to life. “We want to celebrate Jenny’s spirit in the most genuine way possible,” Tenney said. “Her warmth was the heart of this story, and we’ll make sure that heart continues to beat through her legacy.”

Her co-stars are also determined to keep her memory alive beyond the screen. Breckenridge and Henderson are reportedly working with Netflix to establish a Jenny Cooper Memorial Fund, which will support aspiring actors and mental health initiatives—two causes close to Cooper’s heart. “Jenny always believed in lifting others up,” Breckenridge shared. “This is our way of continuing her light.”

As production resumes, the atmosphere on set will undoubtedly feel different. The laughter, the camaraderie, the quiet moments between takes—all of these will now carry the weight of loss and remembrance. But those who knew her best believe Jenny would want the show to go on, to continue telling stories about love, community, and the human capacity to heal—stories she helped shape so beautifully.

Tim Matheson (Doc Mullins) summed up the cast’s collective grief in a recent interview: “Jenny’s spirit is part of Virgin River’s DNA. Every time we film a scene about love or hope, she’s there with us.” His words reflect what fans already know—that Jenny Cooper’s legacy isn’t confined to the screen. It lives on in the lessons she taught, the kindness she showed, and the stories she helped tell.

In many ways, Virgin River has always been about finding light in the darkest places. Now, that theme feels more personal than ever. As the show moves forward, Jenny Cooper’s spirit will continue to guide it—just as Joey guided Mel through her own heartbreak and renewal. Through the series she helped define, Cooper’s voice will echo in every tender moment, every shared laugh, and every quiet triumph.

Jenny Cooper’s passing is a loss that words can scarcely capture. Yet her legacy endures—in the hearts of her co-stars, the millions of fans she inspired, and the timeless small-town world of Virgin River that she helped build with such love and grace.