Kelly Monaco spoke out about her departure from General Hospital.

In August, people announced that Monaco, 48, will not be returning to the iconic drama after 21 years as Sam McCall. In a since-deleted response to a comment on Soap Hub’s Instagram, someone asked, “What concrete do you have in your head? She wasn’t fired. The actress expressed her own opinion that she had to leave because she refused to accept the pay cut.

“There is no major role… do your homework.” Billy Miller’s dismissal marked the end of Sam’s story. “They stripped Sam of every characteristic she possessed,” she wrote. “I toiled for decades to construct this… I gradually disassembled her into a persona that neither I nor the audience could identify. Call it what you will—retaliation at its finest. I’ll provide a proper statement.” The truth will set you free.

Monaco’s mother, Carmina, also took to Instagram on September 28 to express her disappointment at her daughter’s departure from the popular program.

“I want to take this moment to reach out to Kelly’s incredible fans and express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering love, loyalty, and support you’ve shown her throughout her time at General Hospital,” the actress wrote. “On this final day, just four days shy of the anniversary of her first episode on October 1, 2003, Kelly will close the door of her dressing room for the last time.”

“This moment is a difficult one, but knowing that she has had such an incredible, devoted fan base has given her strength,” she says. “You’ve been by her side through every twist and turn, applauding her accomplishments and offering comfort at difficult moments. Your compassion and dedication have meant more than words to Kelly and all of us who love her.”

She continued, “Thank you for being there, believing in her, and reminding her of the impact she’s had. ” We will always be grateful that you stayed by her side through it all.”

Fans left comments expressing their bewilderment and anguish about Monaco’s character’s death.

“But the question is… why,” one person said.

“I have watched GH for over 46 years, and no character have I ever gravitated to like Sam,” said another. “She had my girl fanning her since day one. My commitment and viewership will cease with [Monaco’s] final moment.”

Monaco joined General Hospital in 2003 and has since starred in more than 2,000 episodes of the ABC serial. In 2006, her role as Sam earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Daytime Emmys.

Monaco previously portrayed Livvie Locke in the GH spinoff Port Charles, which aired from 2000 to 2003. During season 1 of Dancing with the Stars, she became the first celebrity to win the mirrorball trophy alongside pro-Alec Mazo.

General Hospital airs weekdays on ABC (check local listings).