Few characters in daytime television have left as indelible a mark as Monica Quartermaine, and few performers have embodied a role with as much grace, resilience, and depth as Leslie Charleson.

Now, as General Hospital prepares to bid farewell to both the actress and her beloved character, the soap is ensuring that Monica’s legacy will echo through Port Charles for years to come.

On Monday, co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten revealed new details about how the series intends to honor Charleson’s life and decades-long contribution to GH. With Monica’s on-screen death slated to air this September,

the storyline promises to be one of the most emotional and transformative chapters in the show’s modern history.

A Storyline That Goes Beyond a Goodbye

For Korte and Van Etten, simply staging a funeral for Monica was never going to be enough. The writers made it clear that their goal was to create a multi-layered story—one that acknowledges Leslie Charleson’s nearly 50-year run on the soap while also using Monica’s passing as a catalyst for fresh narrative opportunities.

“When bidding farewell to her and to Monica, there could be no half-measures,” the writing duo shared. “Honoring Leslie’s contribution to General Hospital and Monica’s significance to Port Charles meant doing more than simply throwing a funeral and looking back at the past.”

Instead, Monica’s death will set into motion a series of events designed to test her family, forge new bonds, and challenge the emotional foundations of Port Charles. “We wanted Monica’s passing to kick off a new story,” the writers explained. “To create new connections on the canvas, to test her loved ones, and to grow their relationships. This way, Monica may be gone — but her legacy will be felt long into the future.”

Leslie Charleson: The Matriarch of GH

Leslie Charleson’s contributions to daytime television cannot be overstated. Having joined General Hospital in 1977, she quickly became the cornerstone of the Quartermaine dynasty. As Monica, she balanced ambition, vulnerability, passion, and poise, making the character one of the most layered women in soap opera history.

From Monica’s legendary love triangle with Alan and Rick, to her struggles with motherhood, to her role as the moral compass (and sometimes firebrand) of the Quartermaine household, Charleson consistently delivered performances that reminded audiences why Monica was the heartbeat of the Q family.

Leslie Charleson passed away on January 12, 2025, at the age of 79, leaving behind not only a storied career but also a legacy of mentorship, warmth, and camaraderie with her fellow cast members. In many ways, she was as much a matriarch behind the scenes as her character was on-screen.

Monica’s Health Struggles in Storyline

For some time, General Hospital had subtly woven Monica’s declining health into the narrative. Characters often referenced her fragile condition, making her absence from key family moments both poignant and foreboding. Just last week, Tracy (Jane Elliot) lamented how she would tell Monica that Drew (Cameron Mathison)—Monica’s adoptive son—had been shot. It was a reminder that even off-screen, Monica’s presence loomed large over her family’s lives.

This narrative choice not only paved the way for her upcoming death but also allowed the show to reflect reality: that even the strongest matriarchs must eventually pass the torch.

The Quartermaines Will Never Be the Same

Monica’s passing will inevitably shake the foundation of the Quartermaine family. Known for their constant power struggles, corporate battles at ELQ, and colorful family feuds, the Quartermaines have always leaned on Monica to bring balance when chaos threatened to consume them.

Without her, the family must navigate their rivalries and heartbreaks without the steadying hand of the woman who kept them tethered. For fans, this shift represents both a heartbreaking loss and a thrilling opportunity to see how the Quartermaines evolve without their anchor.

The Writers Praise the Cast and Crew

In their statement, Korte and Van Etten took time to applaud the cast and crew of General Hospital for rising to the occasion. “The cast and crew have fulfilled and surpassed our expectations in every respect and for every story,” they said, noting the extraordinary care that has gone into the episodes surrounding Monica’s death.

Their comments highlight the collaborative spirit behind the show, emphasizing that this tribute is not just about saying goodbye—it’s about celebrating what Charleson built alongside her colleagues for nearly half a century.

Frank Valentini’s Tribute to Leslie Charleson

Executive producer Frank Valentini also weighed in with heartfelt words following Charleson’s death earlier this year. His tribute captured the essence of both actress and character:

“Her enduring legacy has spanned nearly 50 years on General Hospital alone, and just as Monica was the heart of the Quartermaines, Leslie was a beloved matriarch of the entire cast and crew. I will miss our daily chats, her quick wit, and incredible presence on set.”

Valentini’s remarks underline what longtime fans already know—that Charleson wasn’t just playing the matriarch of a fictional family. She was the matriarch, guiding the spirit of the show both on and off-screen.

The Emotional Weight of Saying Goodbye

For fans, the death of Monica Quartermaine will be a seismic event. Few soap characters have achieved the longevity, complexity, or emotional resonance that Monica did. Her passing not only marks the end of an era but also serves as a reminder of the unique power of daytime storytelling: the ability to weave decades of history into moments that feel deeply personal for viewers.

From audience members who have watched since the late 1970s to new fans discovering Monica through streaming, this farewell will unite generations of GH viewers in shared grief and nostalgia.

What Comes Next for Port Charles?

While Monica’s death will be heartbreaking, the writers’ insistence on using it as a narrative springboard suggests that Port Charles is on the cusp of major developments. Which family member will rise to fill Monica’s shoes? How will the Quartermaines redefine themselves without her? And what alliances, rivalries, and revelations will emerge from this turning point?

One thing is certain: Monica’s presence will continue to shape storylines long after she is gone. Her memory, her lessons, and her legacy will remain central to the characters who loved her most.

Conclusion: A Farewell Befitting a Legend

As General Hospital prepares to honor both Leslie Charleson and Monica Quartermaine, the series faces a rare challenge: how to close a chapter nearly 50 years in the making. Judging by the words of its writers and producers, the soap is rising to the occasion with thoughtfulness, respect, and a deep understanding of what Monica means to fans.

This September, viewers will not only say goodbye to a character but also to a piece of television history. And while tears will undoubtedly flow, one truth remains—Monica Quartermaine’s spirit will never truly leave Port Charles.