On her official Instagram page, “Days of our Lives” star Deidre Hall (Marlena Evans) shared a heartwarming story about the late Bill Hayes, who played Doug Williams on the daytime drama series since 1970 and sadly passed away on Friday, January 12 at 98 years old. Hayes was the real-life husband of on-screen partner Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams).

In Hall’s message, she said, “When I say Bill & Susan Hayes, I think of the phrase with no separation between the words. If written, it would appear as Billandsusanhayes.

“I had the opportunity to see them up close and unguarded due to our professional and personal relationship. During any significant moment or event, it was each other’s eyes they sought out to share the experience. It could not be fully enjoyed until it was shared.”

Providing some insight into Bill Hayes’s personal life, including his and Susan’s dedication to the church, Hall noted, “Their deep and abiding faith made them pillars in their church community. Bill and Susan’s belief included action, not just providing emotional and substantive support. After 50 years of lending his voice to the Chancel Choir, he was honored by the church with the retirement of his choir robe and a permanent plaque that reads: ‘The Bill Hayes Chancel Choir Loft.’

“Whether sharing tales of their large family, their extensive travels, or plays made by their oft-disappointing Dodgers, they built on each other’s stories until a rich and entertaining visual was achieved.”

You can read Hall’s Instagram full message below.

When I say Bill & Susan Hayes, I think of the phrase with no separation between the words. If written, it would appear as Billandsusanhayes.

I had the opportunity to see them up close and unguarded due to our professional and personal relationship. During any significant moment or event, it was each other’s eyes they sought out to share the experience. It could not be fully enjoyed until it was shared.

Their deep and abiding faith made them pillars in their church community. Bill and Susan’s belief included action, not just providing emotional and substantive support. After 50 years of lending his voice to the Chancel Choir, he was honored by the church with the retirement of his choir robe and a permanent plaque that reads: “The Bill Hayes Chancel Choir Loft.”

Whether sharing tales of their large family, their extensive travels, or plays made by their oft-disappointing Dodgers, they built on each other’s stories until a rich and entertaining visual was achieved.

Many will speak of Bill’s unparalleled voice, not just the quality but the emotion contained within. When being greeted by Bill, you could hear the smile contained in your name. “Billy, Dee’s here.” “Deeeiiidddrrreeee!!” I’m not describing it well, but anyone who knows him will be grinning at the memory.

Regardless of where our last conversation ended, Bill would pick up the next with: “Say, how did your monologue work?” “Did you try that curry restaurant?” And, always: “How’s your SISTER?!?”

Many years ago, clearly having no idea personally, I asked Bill, “What makes a marriage work?” He gave it much thought before saying, “In all the years I have known Susan, she has never given me an insincere kiss.” It was not a casual response. I understood it to mean the constancy of sincere devotion. Upon reflection, it is the glue that held them together. It is the deep and demonstrable love and affection for each other and the life they had created.

Yes, they taught us how to love, and it was truly a Master Class.

Bill Hayes was the most loving and generous man I have ever known. Anyone lucky enough to have spent time with this gentle man, would surely agree they were “changed for good.”

Deidre Hall on Instagram (January 22, 2024)