Susan Hayes Shares a Very Special Picture of Bill Hayes
A few days after the late DAYS OF OUR LIVES icon Bill Hayes (Doug) was remembered by family and friends at a touching celebration of life service, his widow and long-time co-star, Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie), took to the couple’s joint Instagram page to express her gratitude and share a cherished personal photo from one of their final outings.
“Dear Friends,” she began. “This is a photo I treasure. My darling on our last trip to the opera. That’s L.A.’s City Hall in the background and the performance was perfect.”
As City Hall’s tower rose above the beautiful, dusky sky, Seaforth Hayes stood behind her husband’s wheelchair, her arms around his shoulders. In return, Hayes lovingly held his wife’s hand, genuine smiles stretched across both of their faces.
In sharing the sweet snapshot, Seaforth Hayes also took the opportunity to thank the couple’s followers for their continued condolences in her time of grief. “Your kind thoughts and words flow over me with such support and affection, I cannot thank each of you enough,” she wrote.
Hayes — who played Doug Williams on DAYS for over five decades and was married to his beloved wife nearly as long — passed away on Jan. 12 at the age of 98. “I trust Bill Hayes will be long and well-remembered, not just by his widow and family, but the wide world he loved. Bravo to us all!” Seaforth Hayes concluded her post.
The comments section of Seaforth Hayes’ moving post quickly filled up with praise from both colleagues and fans for the kind, gentle man and the legacy he left behind. “He will indeed,” wrote Brandon Barash (Stefan). “Sweet fella left an indelible mark on this planet. It’s up to us to perpetuate his legacy by paying forward his love and compassion. Love to you all.”
Added Martha Madison (ex-Belle): “His life was inspiring; filled with meaning and purpose and an abundance of love and respect. What an example for us all. Sending all my love to you and your beautiful family, Susan.”
