Y&R's Michelle Stafford Says Goodbye to Hunter King

That’s a wrap for THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Hunter King (Summer) and Michael Mealor (Kyle). The characters said their goodbyes to family and friends this week as they chose to remain in Italy, facilitating the exits of their portrayers. And while Mealor confirmed he was leaving himself last month, there had been no formal announcement regarding King’s status with the soap.

Technically, there still hasn’t been a formal announcement that King has left Y&R, but her TV mom, Michelle Stafford (Phyllis), confirmed the exits of both of her young co-stars in a moving Instagram post. “It’s a little love for Hunter and Michael,” the Emmy winner wrote on social media, sharing selfies of her with each actor. “I love them both so much! I will miss them. I want so badly for them to jump and follow their dreams and really make it happen.”

Michelle Stafford Hunter King Michael Mealor — Stafford shared her love for the departing King and Mealor, but hoped that they will both return one day.Instagram

A few months ago, rumors began swirling that Mealor (who joined Y&R in March 2018) and King (who debuted in September 2012) would be parting ways with the soap following failed contract renegotiations. Mealor’s departure was first — accidentally? — spilled by co-star Jason Thompson (Billy) before the actor himself took to Instagram to say farewell to his supporters. King, however, never publicly commented on her own status with the soap, leaving some fans hopeful she might be sticking around after all.

Alas, when Tara’s plan blew up in her face, Kyle flew overseas to grovel for Summer’s forgiveness and the happy couple will seemingly live out the rest of their days — at least for the time being — in Italy.

Based on Stafford’s heartfelt farewell message to her colleagues, she doesn’t doubt that we’ll see big things from King and Mealor in the future. “I believe in them completely,” she continued. “They are superstars! I have said that from day one.” And, like many Skyle fans, Stafford is hopeful that this isn’t the last Genoa City has seen of King and Mealor. “Maybe they can ‘stop by’ here and there,” she concluded, adding a heart emoji. “I love you guys! Go get ‘um!”