The June 10, 2025 episode of Days of Our Lives brought Salem to a standstill, cloaked in mourning as the town gathered to honor the life of one of its most cherished heroes—John Black. As the morning sun bathed the town in a golden hue, the community found itself united in sorrow, each heart heavy with grief over the loss of a man whose presence had defined generations.

John Black, portrayed for decades by the beloved Drake Hogestyn, was more than a name in Salem—he was a legend. On this day, Salem came together not just to grieve but to celebrate the indelible legacy of a man whose loyalty, bravery, and compassion had touched nearly every resident’s life.

The emotional farewell took place at the historic church in the center of town. Its stained-glass windows radiated a peaceful glow, as inside, the pews were filled with family, friends, and familiar faces from every corner of Salem’s history. Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall), John’s lifelong partner, sat in the front pew, visibly shattered. Her usually composed demeanor was replaced with silent tears and tightly clasped hands as she held on to the strength of her children—Brady (Eric Martsolf), Eric (Greg Vaughan), Paul (Christopher Sean), and Belle (Martha Madison)—each battling their own heartbreak.

Longtime friends Roman (Josh Taylor), Kayla (Mary Beth Evans), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Abe (James Reynolds), and Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) flanked the family in quiet solidarity, their eyes reflecting decades of memories. These weren’t just friends—they were family, bound by the battles they’d fought and the lives they’d saved together. As the first hymn echoed through the church, it was a solemn tribute to a man who had stared down evil more times than most, always choosing to protect others, often at great personal cost.

But amid the sorrow, the service also spotlighted the emotional turmoil affecting Salem’s younger generation. Little Rachel Black (Finley Rose Slater), John’s granddaughter, sat alone, her grief almost too much for her small frame. Rachel adored her grandfather—he was a safe haven in her turbulent world. But today, her sadness was laced with fear. She held a devastating secret: she had seen her cousin, Johnny DiMera, carrying a gun the night EJ was shot. He’d begged her not to tell. Torn between loyalty and truth, Rachel sat silently, the weight of that knowledge crushing her.

Meanwhile, Rachel’s already fragile world was unraveling further due to the toxic dynamic between her feuding parents, Brady and Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk). While Kristen claimed to act in Rachel’s best interest, her manipulative nature loomed, making Rachel feel even more isolated during a time when she needed comfort and stability.

In the midst of the somber ceremony, the unexpected arrival of two familiar figures shifted the atmosphere. Gasps rippled through the congregation as Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) and Hope Williams Brady (Kristian Alfonso) stepped into the church. Having been absent from Salem for years, their sudden appearance was both shocking and heartwarming. Bo, still recovering from a major health crisis, had defied medical advice to attend John’s funeral. Leaning on Hope for strength, he addressed Marlena with gratitude and admiration. “John saved my life,” he said quietly but firmly. “I had to come… to honor him.”

Hope echoed his sentiments, embracing Marlena with tenderness. “He was one of the best,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. For the older residents, seeing Bo and Hope return was like stepping back in time—an emotional reminder of love stories, friendships, and battles that had once defined an era in Salem.

As the ceremony paused for a moment of reflection, Bo and Hope reconnected with old friends—Roman, Steve, Kayla—sharing heartfelt memories of the past. They reminisced about their legendary romance, the whirlwind moments that had captivated viewers for decades: their first meeting, the unforgettable escape from Hope’s ill-fated wedding on Bo’s motorcycle, their picturesque wedding, and the births of their children—Shawn-Douglas, Zack, and Ciara.

Even their more extraordinary adventures came up, including the infamous mission to retrieve a mystical crystal that saved the world from disaster. The tales were surreal but rooted in truth, showcasing the unbreakable bond that tied Bo and Hope—and all of Salem—together. These stories served as a reminder that while life in Salem could be chaotic, love and family always anchored its people through storm after storm.

Yet amid all the reminiscing, young Rachel remained haunted. The secret of what she’d seen Johnny do gnawed at her. Her cousin had insisted it was an accident and made her promise not to tell. But she wasn’t sure how much longer she could carry that burden. She longed to confide in Marlena, to ask for help, but the fear of breaking her promise held her back.

Kristen, ever watchful and opportunistic, noticed her daughter’s distress. Instead of comforting Rachel with genuine concern, she saw it as a chance to manipulate. “You’re strong, just like me,” she cooed. “We’ll get through this together.” But Rachel knew better. Kristen’s love often came with strings attached, and trusting her was always a gamble.

Elsewhere in the church, another emotional thread unfolded. Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) and Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) sat close, their bond stronger than it had been in months. The couple had endured a rough patch, especially when it came to the topic of adopting a child. Johnny had wavered in his decision, nearly costing him Chanel’s trust. But today, with death reminding everyone of life’s fragility, Johnny recommitted himself to their future. “We can wait to have kids,” Chanel told him softly, “but if we’re going to do this, we need to be sure.” Johnny agreed, his eyes earnest. Grief had given him clarity—he wanted to build a family with her, starting now.

As the ceremony reached its conclusion, Marlena rose to deliver a eulogy that brought everyone to tears. Her voice, steady yet emotional, painted a picture of John not as a legend, but as a man—her partner, her friend, the father and grandfather who loved fiercely and fought valiantly. “John was our rock,” she said. “But he would want us to keep going—to hold each other close, to find joy in the love we share.”

Her words echoed through the church, offering comfort and a gentle push toward healing. One by one, attendees filed out, sharing hugs, tears, and silent promises to carry on John’s legacy. Outside, the sun shone a little brighter as Salem’s residents embraced one another. Bo and Hope lingered, promising to remain in town for the time being, a source of comfort for a grieving community.

Rachel clung tightly to Marlena, her grandmother’s presence offering a moment of peace. Still, her secret threatened to boil over, even as Kristen’s shadow loomed. Johnny and Chanel stepped into the sunlight, ready to face their future with newfound resolve. And through it all, the memory of John Black remained—a guiding light for a town in mourning, a reminder that even in death, heroes never truly leave us. They live on in the stories, the love, and the lives they helped shape.