Internationally renowned actress Jeanne Cooper, who played the vibrant and tough grand dame with a heart of gold, Katherine Chancellor on “The Young and the Restless”, died on May 8, 2013 after a brief illness.

On Tuesday, May 28, CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” will air a special tribute episode honoring the life of the late Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor). Cast members, friends and family of the beloved actress will gather on set next week to shoot a celebration of the life of Cooper, who passed away this week at the age of 84. Cooper, who portrayed Katherine Chancellor for more than 39 years, was the show’s longest-running cast member.

As previously reported, Matthew Cowles is returning his dastardly evil character Billy Clyde Tuggle to “All My Children” beginning Thursday, May 16. In a newly released image from The OnLine Network, Billy Clyde is about to butt heads with Ray MacDonnell’s Dr. Joe Martin, in what appears to be a motel room.

In a growing list of popular artists appearing on or performing in episodes of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live,” including Hot Chelle Rae on today’s “AMC,” The OnLine Network has announced that multi-platinum recording artist Jason Derulo will perform on the soaps Wednesday, July 3 episode. The episode finds the artist appearing as himself singing his new single “The Other Side” after receiving an invite to perform as part of a gala event hosted by Brooke English (Julia Barr).

In a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Susan Lucci talks about a possible return to “All My Children” as her iconic character, Erica Kane, and the possibility of hearing the character utter some expletives, which is now okay since the show is on the internet.

In a new video released today via Yahoo! TV, The OnLine Network honors the men of Llanview, Pennsylvania (“One Life to Live”) which includes shedding new light on David Vickers (as played by Tuc Watkins), introductions to Jeffrey King (Corbin Bleu), and the evolution of Bo and Clint Buchanan (Robert S. Woods and Jerry verDorn), respectively. Of course, there’s some insight into Cutter Wentworth (Josh Kelly) as well.

As a tribute to Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless), who died today, MeTV will feature episodes of “Bonanza” and “The Big Valley” in which she guest starred tomorrow, Thursday, May 9 from 2:00- 4:00pm.

“She was one of a kind and she held my hand for 35 years. She helped me be a better actor, husband, parent, and friend. My life was so enriched having known her. She was such a loving, kind soul. With Jeanne, there was no judgment, no rules. She loved you for you. She always had time for you and was so gracious with her love. For me, she was a personal giant, an sublime example of how to behave on planet Earth. I will miss her more than I can describe. I will say with certainty, that Heaven just got a hell of a lot more interesting! ….God’s speed, my dear friend. I love you,” said Doug Davidson (Paul Willliams, “The Young and the Restless”) in a statement released to Soap Opera Network.

In a statement released after word spread on the passing of Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor, “The Young and the Restless,”), Bradley P. Bell (executive producer, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), the son of the late William J. Bell, who co-created both “Y&R” and “B&B”) with wife Lee Phillip Bell, said, “Jeanne Cooper – A genuine person, gifted performer, good friend to all. Never before and never again. A true artist and legend. She will be missed. My thoughts and my love are with her family.”

In her final words on CBS’ “The Young and the Restless” as Katherine Chancellor (aired on Friday, May 3), Jeanne Cooper says to Jess Walton’s Jill Abbott, “I believe I can manage. Thank you, though,” when Jill asks if Katherine needs help getting up the stairs. Katherine’s final word was “Goodnight” as Jill watched her climb up the steps. Word of Cooper’s final scene came to light courtesy of “Y&R” script editor Brent Boyd on Twitter.