Bill Hayes, a veteran member of the “Days of Our Lives” cast, has passed away at 98 years old, according to confirmation from PEOPLE. Born William Foster Hayes III, the actor played the role of ‘Doug Williams’ on the soap opera since its inception in 1970 until his recent passing.

The statement from the television series expressed a heavy heart at the news, emphasizing that Bill Hayes and his wife, Susan Seaforth-Hayes, were the pillars of the Williams-Horton family for over 50 years. Executive producer Ken Corday praised Hayes, stating that he embodied the heart and soul of “Days of Our Lives,” and while the loss is mourned, Bill’s lasting legacy will endure in the hearts and stories both on and off-screen.

Bill Hayes celebrated his 98th birthday on the set last summer, where his cast members honored the occasion with a personalized cake. Susan Seaforth-Hayes, his wife, was present for the celebration. During the event, she highlighted Bill as the first person to sing on daytime television, a historic achievement. The festivities were shared on their joint Instagram account, thanking the cast and crew for commemorating Bill’s birthday. In 2018, Bill received the Daytime Emmy’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring portrayal of Doug Williams on the soap opera.

The significance of “Days of Our Lives” extended beyond the screen for Bill Hayes, as it played a role in his personal life. He and Susan Seaforth-Hayes met on the show, eventually becoming a real-life couple and marrying in October 1974. Their on-screen characters also had a second wedding on October 1, 1976. Bill is survived by his son, William Foster Hayes IV.