Today, we bring you an electrifying, exclusive update from the heart of Days of Our Lives as the legendary Susan Seaforth Hayes, the indomitable Julie Olson Williams,

shares a message that will send shockwaves through the soap opera universe. On the glittering occasion of the show’s 60th anniversary, Hayes reminded the world why

she is the beating heart of Salem and dropped news that fans will be talking about for years.

A Diamond Jubilee Celebration Like No Other

The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood became a living homage to Salem on November 8, 2025, as Days of Our Lives celebrated six decades of love, betrayal, and intrigue. Red carpets lined with the show’s icons, from Deidre Hall to Suzanne Rogers, welcomed the cream of soap royalty. Amidst the shimmer and flashes, one figure captured every eye: Susan Seaforth Hayes, 82 years young, gliding effortlessly in a custom emerald gown mirroring Julie’s legendary 1981 cruise ship wedding attire.

At her side was Bill Hayes, her real-life and on-screen husband for over five decades. The couple, whose romance began on set in 1970 and culminated in marriage in 1974, remains the living embodiment of Salem’s enduring motto: “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.” Their chemistry, onscreen and off, has anchored generations of fans, and this anniversary proved why Doug and Julie’s love story is timeless.

The Bombshell Announcement

In an unscripted, heart-stopping moment on stage, Susan addressed the audience with a microphone in hand:

“I never thought I’d still be here… and I’m not going anywhere.”

The theatre fell silent as her voice, tremulous yet commanding, carried decades of memories. “57 years ago, I walked onto a little show called Salem, thinking it was just a stepping stone. I was wrong. So gloriously, heartbreakingly wrong. This show didn’t just give me a career—it gave me a life.”

Hayes reflected on countless dramatic highs and lows: Julie’s possession, Doug’s near-death experiences, and the duo’s 50th-anniversary dance. Each event cemented not just the characters’ legacy but also her own. Her declaration was unequivocal: Julie Olson Williams is inseparable from Salem, and Hayes will continue to bring her to life for as long as she can.

Social media exploded, with fans around the world trending #JulieLives. But the post-gala interview with TV Days Drama Digest revealed even more—intimate reflections and behind-the-scenes revelations never before shared.

The Road Not Taken: Hollywood Dreams vs. Salem Legacy

Rewinding to 1968, Hayes recounted her initial perspective on Days of Our Lives. A young actress with a taste for adventure and visions of Technicolor epics, she believed Salem was just a pit stop on her journey to stardom. Dream roles alongside Paul Newman or Steve McQueen beckoned, and Hollywood seemed poised for her.

Yet as Julie Olson evolved from a naïve debutante to a complex anti-heroine, Hayes realized the show was offering something far greater than fleeting cinematic fame: enduring love, storytelling depth, and a bond with fans that transcended screens. She revealed opportunities she declined for her role—turning down supporting parts in The Godfather (1972), a three-picture Universal deal, and even Broadway revivals—decisions made not out of fear but a profound commitment to Doug and Julie.

“Each ‘no’ was a dagger to my cinematic dreams, but each ‘yes’ built a legacy no Oscar could touch,” Hayes confessed.

The Personal Toll of Immortality

Life behind the scenes was as dramatic as any storyline. Hayes shared her darkest moments, including the 1984 near-cancellation of Days, the turmoil of the Salem Strangler storyline, and personal health battles, including a private 2018 cancer diagnosis. Yet through it all, she fought—for Julie, for Doug, for Bill, and for the fans.

The Hayes’ commitment to one another mirrored their onscreen counterparts’ devotion. The public wedding of Doug and Julie became a shared cultural event, blending reality and fiction. Amidst network pressures, 52-week shooting schedules, and tabloid scrutiny, they persevered, proving that the line between actor and character could inspire generations.

Fans: The Unsung Heroes of Salem

Susan’s heartfelt message highlighted the irreplaceable role of the audience. Letters from fans spanning decades revealed the profound impact of Doug and Julie’s love story. From a 1977 Vietnam veteran whose solace came from watching Doug serenade Julie, to a 2023 teen empowered to come out after discovering the show on Peacock, Hayes acknowledged the symbiotic relationship between Salem and its viewers.

She and Bill personally read fan mail every Sunday, preserving over 10,000 letters—each a testament to the emotional resonance of their performances. Hayes shared the poignant story of a woman in hospice who requested a voicemail as Julie, exemplifying the life-affirming influence of the character.

“You think we save you? You save us,” Hayes declared, encapsulating the essence of daytime drama: shared humanity, hope, and resilience.

The Future of Julie Olson Williams

So, what lies ahead for Julie? Hayes confirmed fans can expect monumental storylines, including:

• Julie’s 80th birthday in 2026, featuring multi-episode events and the return of iconic characters like Christian Alonso, Hope Williams, and Peter Ruckle.
• A shocking revelation about Julie’s long-lost child from the 1970s, promising high-stakes emotional drama.
• Doug and Julie adventures abroad, filming in Paris, Rome, and New Orleans, paying homage to their classic 1970s story arcs.
• Julie writing a memoir, blurring lines between Susan and her alter ego, offering intimate insight into the character’s life.

Hayes also teased a potential passing of the torch to a younger actress, but made it abundantly clear: Julie is far from done.

“Only when you pry the script from my cold, dead hands will Julie leave Salem,” she quipped, earning a standing ovation from fans and fellow cast members alike.

A Legacy Etched in Soap History

Susan Seaforth Hayes is more than a performer; she is the soul of daytime television. Over 18,000 episodes, countless rescues, weddings, and resurrections, she has outlasted 11 U.S. presidents, 15 showrunners, and three network homes—from NBC to cable to Peacock. She has earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, and inspired the Doug & Julie Cruise, raising over $1 million for charity.

In her words:

“I thought I’d be discovered. Instead, I discovered me. In Julie’s strength, I found mine. In Doug’s love, I found Bill. In Salem’s chaos, I found home. And in your fans, I found family.”

Her message is more than a promise—it’s a battle cry. As Days of Our Lives enters its seventh decade, one thing is clear: with Susan Seaforth Hayes leading the charge, Salem’s saga will continue to captivate, thrill, and inspire.

Conclusion

Susan Hayes’ announcement following the 60th anniversary gala is a testament to endurance, passion, and love—both onscreen and off. Fans can anticipate groundbreaking storylines, emotional journeys, and the return of beloved characters, all while celebrating the unparalleled legacy of Doug and Julie Williams.

As we look ahead to Julie’s 80th birthday, upcoming international storylines, and the continuation of the iconic romance, one truth remains: Salem is alive, vibrant, and more captivating than ever—all thanks to Susan Seaforth Hayes.

So, fans, will you be there when Julie blows out 80 candles? Will you sail with Doug and Julie on their next adventure? Share your thoughts, tears, and theories below, and make sure to subscribe to TV Days Drama Digest for all your exclusive Salem updates. Because, as Hayes reminded us: this is not the end. This is the beginning of forever.