A defining chapter in Days of Our Lives history comes to an emotional and explosive close during the week of February 2–6, 2026. With the confirmed death of

Stefano DiMera finally accepted as fact, Salem is forced to confront a truth it has avoided for years: the Phoenix will not rise again. But as one legend is laid to rest,

new power struggles, emotional reckonings, and dangerous schemes emerge—proving that in Salem, an ending is never truly the end.

This week delivers a powerful blend of grief, betrayal, ambition, and unfinished business, as Stefano’s memorial sends shockwaves through the town while Gwen Rizczech quietly puts a bold and risky plan into motion. The result is a week packed with emotional fallout and high-stakes drama that sets the stage for a volatile new era.

A Final Goodbye to a Legend — and a Villain

For decades, Stefano DiMera loomed over Salem as both mastermind and myth. His death has long been questioned, leaving his family and enemies trapped in a state of uncertainty. Now, with the mysterious remains in the DiMera crypt confirmed to be Stefano’s, there is no more room for denial.

Friday’s memorial marks a historic moment for the DiMera family—and for Salem itself. While some residents would gladly celebrate the permanent end of their greatest adversary, others are forced to mourn the complicated truth: Stefano was many things, but to his family, he was still a father, a brother, and a force that shaped their identities.

The memorial resonates far beyond the DiMera mansion. Allies and enemies alike feel the weight of finality, and the emotional divide is unmistakable. For some, it’s closure. For others, it’s the beginning of fear—because Stefano’s absence leaves behind a dangerous vacuum.

Power Without a Patriarch

Stefano’s confirmed death forces the DiMeras to confront something they were never prepared for: life without him. For years, the possibility of his return provided both comfort and terror. His presence—real or imagined—kept the family unified under a single, dominating shadow.

Now that shadow is gone.

With it comes instability. Who controls the DiMera legacy now? Who commands the influence, the secrets, and the wealth? Even amid mourning, calculations begin. Grief quickly turns into quiet power plays, and long-simmering rivalries threaten to resurface. In Salem, even a funeral can feel like the opening move in a war.

Kristen and Brady: Another Battle for Rachel

As the DiMeras process their loss, old tensions erupt elsewhere. Kristen DiMera and Brady Black find themselves locked in yet another fierce clash—this time over their daughter, Rachel.

Monday’s confrontation is not just another argument; it’s a fundamental battle over control, stability, and parental authority. Kristen remains driven by obsession and emotion, convinced that love justifies any action she takes. Brady, however, is fighting for a calmer, safer future for their child.

Both believe they are protecting Rachel. That belief makes compromise nearly impossible. As tempers flare, it becomes clear that this conflict could permanently reshape their family dynamic—and possibly Rachel’s future.

Susan Faces a Shattering Truth

Adding another emotional layer to the week, Susan Banks is forced to accept a reality she has resisted for years: Stefano is truly gone. For Susan, believing he was still alive was more than hope—it was survival.

Admitting she was wrong triggers a profound emotional reckoning. Her grief is not just about loss, but about identity. So much of Susan’s life has been intertwined with the DiMera saga that accepting its final chapter leaves her unmoored. Her breakdown reflects the deeper cost of living in a world built on miracles, secrets, and denial.

Vivian Spins a Convincing Web

Meanwhile, in Alamainia, a dangerous game unfolds. Rafe Hernandez and Eli Grant set their sights on Vivian Alamain, convinced she holds crucial answers about recent events surrounding the DiMeras.

Vivian, however, is not easily cornered. When questioned on Tuesday, she offers just enough truth to sound credible—and by Wednesday, she delivers a story so convincing it forces even seasoned investigators to hesitate. That hesitation is exactly what Vivian needs.

In Salem, time is power. And Vivian knows how to buy it.

Gabi Faces Devastation—and Rage

Vivian’s story carries devastating consequences for Gabi Hernandez. As the possibility becomes undeniable that Stefan is truly dead, Gabi is pulled into a storm of grief, disbelief, and fury.

Stefan has been the center of her emotional universe. Losing him permanently reframes every sacrifice she’s made, every battle she’s fought. Her family rallies around her, not just to comfort her—but to protect everyone else. Because when Gabi’s grief turns into anger, it often leads to destruction.

Gwen’s Plan Goes Live

While the DiMeras mourn, Gwen Rizczech quietly prepares for war. Early in the week, she confides in EJ DiMera about her plan to take down Dimitri. This is not an impulsive move—Gwen has thought through every step.

She understands power, timing, and perception. Sharing her plan with EJ signals her intent to align herself with someone who knows Salem’s rules just as well as she does. But her strategy is not without risk.

Dimitri is a manipulator in his own right—and he fights with charm.

Seduction as a Weapon

Dimitri’s attempt to seduce Leo Stark adds another volatile element to the mix. This move is strategic, not romantic. Leo is emotional, reactive, and easily drawn into drama—qualities Dimitri knows how to exploit.

But seduction in Salem is rarely simple. What starts as manipulation can turn into genuine emotion, and if Leo gets hurt, the fallout will be loud and unpredictable. This dangerous triangle threatens to derail Gwen’s carefully constructed plan.

Thursday marks the moment Gwen’s scheme officially launches—and once it does, there’s no turning back.

Jealousy Ignites at the Worst Possible Time

As tensions rise across Salem, another emotional explosion looms. Kate Roberts is pushed to her breaking point when she catches Roman Brady comforting his ex, Marlena Evans, once again.

This isn’t about a single moment—it’s about history. Marlena represents a bond Kate knows she can’t erase, and that realization fuels jealousy that quickly turns to rage. Fear takes over, and fear has a way of driving people toward regretful choices.

A Moment of Healing—and a Reckoning

Not all is darkness this week. Holly and Sophia finally reconcile, offering a rare moment of peace in a town defined by grudges. Their reunion may seem small, but it carries weight—proof that growth and forgiveness are still possible in Salem.

At the same time, accountability arrives for Liam. After Rafe uncovers the truth about the DiMera kidnappings, Liam is forced to apologize to Abe Carver. Whether the apology is sincere or strategic remains to be seen—but once the truth is spoken, nothing stays the same.

A New Era Begins—But Not in Peace

By week’s end, Salem stands on unstable ground. Stefano’s confirmed death has ignited a domino effect that reaches every corner of the town. Grief turns into ambition. Secrets spark new wars. And the absence of one legendary villain creates space for others to rise.