Less than two months after signing a new contract with The Young and the Restless, Jess Walton (Jill Abbott) has revealed that she will be leaving the top-rated CBS soap. Walton won't be gone permanently, however; the actress is taking some much-deserved time off.

"I asked [Y&R executive producer and head writer] Maria Arena Bell permission if I could take a short break after working non-stop in daytime for the past 28 years," Walton told Nelson Branco for Soap Opera Uncensored.

As previously reported, Walton recently relocated to Oregon, where the actress eventually hopes to retire.

"I will be back," Walton assures fans.

Walton's publicist also insists that Walton will be back, dispelling Internet rumors that the actress has opted to leave the show permanently.

"The reason she is taking a break is because her son and his wife and are expecting a baby and Jess wants to be around for the birth of her first grandchild," the publicist explained. "There are a lot of false rumors going around that she is gone for good but Jess is absolutely coming back. She talked it out with [Y&R's executive producer/head writer] Maria Bell, and Maria is fine with this arrangement."

Walton joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in June 1987. She assumed the role from Brenda Dickson, who originated the role in 1973.

Walton will tape her last Y&R scenes on April 3. She is expected to be away from The Young and the Restless for about six months.