On January 12, 2024, Susan Seaforth Hayes said goodbye to her husband of more than 50 years, the legendary Bill Hayes. From the moment Bill Hayes made his DAYS debut as Doug Williams, he and Susan had a magical connection, both on-screen and off.
The Hayeses met on the Days of our Lives set and wed in 1974, while Doug and Julie wed for the first time in 1976, and two more times through the years.
To mark the two-month anniversary of her husband's death, Hayes posted a beautiful tribute to Bill along with a photo of them taken on a long-ago vacation. She also thanked fans for their beautiful words of love since January.
"Today marks 2 months since my Billy passed. With tender feelings, I have read the many beautiful condolences that friends, family, and strangers have sent," Hayes wrote. "Each one is a treasure proving his life touched not only mine, but theirs, too. Thank you from a widow's overflowing heart.
"The celebration of his life took place February 10th and for those who might like to see the service it's up on YouTube (link in bio and in story)," she continued. "I have been told it's already up to 116,000 views! If you are reading this, you are connected to Bill and Susan, Doug and Julie, like family. The photo today was taken in West Virginia on Cheat Lake- when the day was 'breezing up' and love was in the air... just like today."
You can find "Bill Hayes: A Celebration of Life" on YouTube by viewing below. It took place at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood and featured tributes from a tear-jerking and heartwarming speech from Susan.
"A lot of you came a long, hard distance. You all have a piece of my heart. 'The Look of Love' -- Bill Hayes had it and made this world shine with it. Especially when he was looking at us," Hayes said at the service, referring to one of her late husband's signature songs, both in Salem and in real life.
What do you think? What are your favorite memories of Doug and Julie? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
