As we dive into this heart-wrenching episode of Days of Our Lives, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and give this video a thumbs up. This is a spoiler-filled deep dive into the emotional farewell to John Black, and Marlena Evans’ moment of heartbreak as the entire town of Salem comes together to honor the memory of a true legend.

John Black’s funeral is not just the closing of a chapter but the end of a monumental era. With over forty years of heroism, passion, and resilience, John has left an irreplaceable mark on the people of Salem. His final act of bravery—retrieving the life-saving dose of Versix to save Bo Brady—was a sacrifice that cost him everything. Despite his efforts and the medical team’s dedication, the injuries he suffered in the explosion were too grave to overcome.

As the episode begins, the town prepares to say goodbye. Marlena Evans, John’s devoted wife and soulmate, is at the center of it all. Having spent a lifetime battling adversities, raising children, and enduring every soap-worthy twist imaginable, Marlena now faces her toughest moment yet—saying goodbye to the love of her life.

We first find Marlena alone in their bedroom, sitting quietly on the edge of the bed. In her hand, she clutches John’s military dog tags, their cold metal a sharp contrast to the flood of memories they bring—each one reminding her of the life they built together. Her whispered words, “I thought we’d have more time,” encapsulate the heartbreak of every viewer who’s followed their epic love story over the decades.

Later, as the sun casts gentle rays through the stained-glass windows of St. Luke’s Church, loved ones gather to pay their respects. A large portrait of John, wearing his signature leather jacket and warm smile, stands at the altar. Beside it, the folded American flag acknowledges his past with the ISA and his countless acts of courage.

Belle Brady enters dressed in black, steadying herself with a tissue in hand. Shaun Douglas stands by her side, a quiet pillar of strength. Carrie Brady Reed arrives from Zurich, visibly shaken, with Austin close behind. Eric Brady sits silently with Sloan and little Jude, while Brady Black comforts Rachel, who clings to a small stuffed bear with a baseball cap—a gift from John. Paul Narita, having traveled from San Francisco, brings with him John’s old baseball mitt, a symbol of their father-son bond.

As the pews fill, familiar faces return to honor John. Kayla Johnson, Roman Brady, Steve “Patch” Johnson, Abe Carver, Julie Williams, Maggie Kiriakis—all find their seats in reverent silence. Even Kristen DiMera quietly slips into the back row, her cheeks stained with unexpected tears.

Then comes Marlena. She steps into the church cloaked in a long black coat, her presence quiet but commanding. Her golden hair shines faintly in the morning light, and though her eyes are rimmed with sorrow, there’s an undeniable strength in her every step. As she walks the aisle, the congregation rises. Each step echoes a memory—John’s proposals, rescues, kisses, and every vow renewed after each challenge they endured.

Marlena stops at the front, gazing at John’s portrait. She gently touches the frame and murmurs, “I love you,” before taking her seat at the front beside her family. The room settles as soft organ music begins and the minister offers a warm welcome.

Belle is the first to speak. She steps up with trembling hands and a soft voice. “My father was a lot of things—brave, loyal, strong—but people forget how funny he was,” she begins. “Even on our darkest days, he had a way of making us laugh.” The room responds with soft chuckles and tearful smiles.

Paul follows. Holding the baseball mitt, his voice cracks with emotion. “Baseball was our thing,” he says. “He taught me to swing for the fences—on and off the field. He showed me what it meant to be a man, to be present, even when the odds were impossible. Dad was the real MVP.”

Eric steps up next, his voice calm but deeply emotional. He reflects on John’s faith and his unwavering belief in second chances. “Even when I couldn’t believe in myself,” he says, “John did.”

Brady’s turn is next. After a long pause, he speaks. “He wasn’t my biological father, but never once did he make me feel like I didn’t belong. He loved me as his own—and I’ll never forget that.”

Finally, Marlena approaches the podium. The church falls into a hush. Her voice trembles, but she does not falter. “My husband, my love, my John,” she begins. “We survived everything. Amnesia, death, abductions, betrayal. We loved through every storm. And still, we found our way back to each other.”

She breathes deeply before continuing. “John once told me that if he could be anything, he’d be the person who stood between danger and the people he loved. And he was. For all of us.” Her words reach every heart in the room. Tears flow freely. Marlena’s pain is not just personal; it’s shared by every Salem resident and every viewer who has watched their love unfold over decades.

The service concludes with quiet hymns and gentle embraces. People gather around Marlena to offer comfort. She is enveloped by the warmth of her friends and family, and for a moment, she is not alone in her sorrow. Even as she whispers one final goodbye—”Goodnight, my love”—the legacy of John Black burns bright in the hearts of those left behind.

In the final moments of the episode, Salem feels different. Softer. Quieter. And though the town has seen its fair share of twists, losses, and miracles, this goodbye feels heavier. Because John wasn’t just another hero—he was the hero. And as the sun sets on his funeral, one thing is clear: his memory will continue to guide them, one loving, heroic memory at a time.

Stay tuned to Our Lives 24 for more recaps, spoilers, and emotional moments from Days of Our Lives.