It’s the emotional journey of Suzanne Rogers, the beloved icon who has brought Maggie Horton Kiriakis to life on Days of Our Lives for more than five decades.

After announcing her battle with cancer, Rogers has now confirmed that she’ll be stepping away from the Peacock soap—leaving fans heartbroken, hopeful, and clinging to every precious moment of her time in Salem.

This is not just another casting update. It’s the end of an era—at least for now—and the beginning of a story that transcends fiction.

A Heartbreaking Revelation

The news hit like a thunderclap in the world of daytime television. Suzanne Rogers, the fiery redhead who’s been the emotional anchor of Days of Our Lives since 1973, revealed that she’s been battling cancer. The announcement sent shockwaves across social media and fan communities, leaving longtime viewers devastated. For many, Maggie Horton isn’t just a soap character—she’s family, a comforting presence in their living rooms for generations.

Rogers’ confession came from a place of raw honesty. She didn’t specify the type of cancer, choosing to protect her privacy, but her openness about the emotional toll of the diagnosis was deeply moving. “It was terrifying,” she admitted in a recent interview, describing sleepless nights and the uncertainty that comes with hearing the word cancer. Fans immediately flooded social media with messages of love and support, using hashtags like #SuzanneStrong to rally behind her.

For a community that has watched Rogers portray Maggie’s countless struggles—loss, addiction, and heartbreak—this felt achingly real. Life and art, once again, were indistinguishable.

The Toughest Decision: Stepping Away

Just as fans were beginning to process her health update, Rogers made another heartbreaking announcement: she would be stepping away from Days of Our Lives. The statement, both graceful and gut-wrenching, confirmed that her departure was not permanent—but necessary.

“After much thought and heartfelt discussions, I’ve decided to step away from the show to focus on my health,” Rogers wrote in a message to fans. “This isn’t goodbye forever—it’s time to rest, to heal, and to return stronger than ever.”

The decision struck a chord across the industry. Filming a soap is grueling—long hours, endless dialogue, emotional intensity—and cancer treatments can drain even the strongest spirit. Rogers, ever the fighter, recognized that she needed to prioritize her recovery. “I need time to heal fully, to be with my loved ones,” she explained.

Inside the Days studio, the mood was somber. Castmates whispered in hallways, producers held emergency meetings, and scripts were quietly rewritten to accommodate her absence. Rogers’ departure, while temporary, symbolized the fragility of even the most enduring careers.

A Family United in Love

If there’s one thing Days of Our Lives is known for beyond its melodrama, it’s the genuine sense of family that exists behind the scenes. Suzanne Rogers’ colleagues rallied around her in full force. Executive producer Ken Corday personally reached out, offering flexibility, medical support, and unwavering encouragement. “Ken has been like a father figure,” Rogers shared tearfully. “He told me to take all the time I needed—my health comes first.”

Co-executive producer Albert Alarr echoed the sentiment, assuring her that Maggie’s story would remain open-ended—no death scenes, no replacements. “You are Maggie,” he reportedly said, emphasizing her irreplaceable legacy.

Her castmates, too, showed incredible solidarity. Mary Beth Evans (Kayla Brady) reached out with heartfelt empathy, sharing her own experiences with health challenges. Stephen Nichols (Steve “Patch” Johnson) offered quiet encouragement, while Greg Rikaart (Leo Stark) kept her spirits high with humor and light-hearted messages.

Group texts flew. Zoom calls were organized. The cast that had shared weddings, funerals, and exorcisms on-screen was now united off-screen in one powerful mission—to lift Suzanne up.

A Legacy That Defined a Generation

To understand the weight of this moment, you have to look back at Suzanne Rogers’ extraordinary journey. She joined Days of Our Lives in 1973, at a time when bell-bottoms ruled the streets and daytime television was entering its golden age. As Maggie Simmons, she began as a humble farm girl who used a wheelchair due to myasthenia gravis—a storyline inspired by Rogers’ own real-life health advocacy.

Over the years, Maggie evolved into one of the show’s most complex matriarchs—strong, compassionate, and unyieldingly moral. She faced heartbreak, addiction, and the supernatural chaos that makes Days so irresistible. Her marriages to Mickey Horton and later Victor Kiriakis became legendary, and her battles with alcoholism showcased Rogers’ ability to blend vulnerability with steel-like strength.

In 1979, Rogers won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, cementing her place in soap opera history. Through 5,000 episodes and multiple generations of fans, Suzanne Rogers became synonymous with the heart of Days of Our Lives.

Triumph Over Tragedy

But here’s where this story takes a turn worthy of the most triumphant soap finale. Against all odds, Suzanne Rogers beat cancer. After months of treatment, she proudly announced that she is now cancer-free. Her resilience is nothing short of inspiring. “I’m feeling stronger every day,” she said, her trademark smile lighting up the room.

And then, in a move that thrilled fans everywhere, Rogers revealed that she’s already preparing to return to filming. Yes, Maggie Horton is coming back to Salem! The production team confirmed that new scenes are being scheduled, and that her re-entry will be handled with all the respect and love she deserves.

However, due to Days’ advanced filming schedule—nearly 10 months ahead of air dates—fans won’t see her exit or return until 2026. That means we’ll continue to enjoy Maggie’s presence on-screen throughout 2025, with a bittersweet goodbye episode likely late next year. And when she returns, it promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

A Symbol of Strength and Hope

Suzanne Rogers’ journey is more than a behind-the-scenes story—it’s a testament to perseverance, grace, and the power of storytelling. She’s not just an actress—she’s an inspiration to fans who see themselves in Maggie’s courage and compassion.

Her battle with cancer reminds us that heroes exist both on and off the screen. Her choice to take a step back shows strength, not surrender. And her triumphant recovery ensures that her legacy will continue to shine across generations.

So as Suzanne Rogers prepares to reclaim her throne in Salem, fans everywhere are celebrating her bravery and resilience. Days of Our Lives won’t be the same without Maggie—but knowing she’ll be back makes the wait bearable.

From her first scene in 1973 to her triumphant return in 2026, Suzanne Rogers remains the beating heart of Salem—and the embodiment of everything we love about daytime television.