In a heartbreaking turn of events set to unfold on Days of Our Lives the week of June 2nd to 6th, 2025, Salem will be rocked by the devastating loss of one of its most beloved characters: John Black. Fans should prepare themselves for a deeply emotional storyline as the iconic hero’s final days take center stage in a week filled with tears, reflection, and unforgettable final moments.

A newly released NBC teaser trailer has already ignited waves of grief across the fanbase. The footage hints at tragedy looming over the town, and it becomes painfully clear that John Black’s time has come to an end. After decades of heroism, romance, and sacrifice, his journey is drawing to a close, and the impact will be felt far beyond his immediate family.

Portrayed by Drake Hogestyn, John has long stood as a pillar of strength in Salem. His presence has been crucial through countless highs and lows, and now, his absence will shake the very foundation of the show. The trailer gives us a tearful glimpse into the final moments shared between John and Marlena Evans, played by the iconic Deidre Hall.

In what may go down as one of the most poignant scenes in the show’s history, Marlena lies beside John in their bed. Her voice, choked with emotion, whispers, “If you need to go, it’s okay.” It’s a moment that encapsulates decades of love — tender, honest, and heartbreaking. Marlena’s gentle goodbye is not just for John, but for an era that’s shaped the soul of Days of Our Lives.

Once John passes, Dr. Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans) is faced with the difficult task of breaking the news to Salem’s close-knit residents. She first tells Roman Brady (Josh Taylor), who is blindsided by the news. At the Brady Pub, once a hub of laughter and camaraderie, silence and sorrow now hang in the air. Roman, who considered John not just a friend but a brother, is visibly shattered.

The ripples of John’s death extend further when Belle Black (Martha Madison), John and Marlena’s daughter, learns of her father’s passing. Known for her strength and determination, Belle finds herself emotionally wrecked. Her grief runs deep, and her struggle to make sense of life without John will resonate with anyone who has endured the loss of a parent. For Belle, John was a protector, a guide, and a rock.

Then there’s Brady Black (Eric Martsolf), John’s son. His sorrow is raw and exposed, showing a man grappling with an unbearable emotional void. For Brady, John wasn’t just a father — he was his moral compass, his hero, and the man he always tried to emulate. Brady’s breakdown will showcase some of the most intense performances of the week, drawing viewers into the depths of his pain.

But perhaps the most gut-wrenching arc belongs to Marlena herself. In a quiet and revealing conversation with Eric Brady (Greg Vaughan), Marlena confesses that no matter how much time you think you have, it’s never enough. “You always want just one more moment,” she says, her voice filled with longing. She reflects on their incredible journey — from strangers and friends to soulmates and spouses — a love story that spanned decades, through hell and back.

As Marlena adjusts to life without John, the weight of solitude sets in. A haunting scene shows her curled up alone in bed, arms wrapped around herself, the space beside her painfully empty. The visual is as symbolic as it is tragic — a powerful woman now facing an uncertain future without the man who was always by her side.

John Black’s departure is not just the end of a character; it’s the end of an era. His death will shake the town of Salem to its core. Plans for his funeral are already in motion, promising a somber yet heartfelt tribute to a man who meant everything to his family, friends, and fans.

The week also invites fans to revisit the extraordinary love story between John and Marlena — a saga filled with passion, perseverance, and plenty of shocking twists. Many may recall that John originally arrived in Salem as “The Pawn” — his memory erased, his identity a mystery. For a time, even Marlena believed he was her presumed-dead husband, Roman. It was only after a series of intense reveals that he became the man we know today as John Black.

Their love weathered impossible odds — including demonic possession, faked deaths, and years of separations. One of the most unforgettable moments in soap opera history came when Marlena, possessed by a demon in 1995, was exorcised by none other than John himself, who believed he was a priest. That storyline forever cemented their bond in the minds of fans.

And who could forget the paternity bombshell involving Belle Black? For years, it was assumed that Roman was her biological father. But when the truth finally emerged — that John was her real father — the resulting turmoil nearly tore the family apart. Still, love triumphed.

Even Kristen DiMera’s relentless schemes couldn’t keep them apart for long. From faking pregnancies to kidnapping Marlena, Kristen threw everything at them. Yet through it all, John and Marlena always found their way back to each other — a testament to their deep and unshakable connection.

Over the years, their love endured multiple marriages and divorces. But no matter the distance, their hearts never truly separated. Their final wedding was a beautiful affirmation of their enduring love — a union not just of two people, but of soulmates whose journey had come full circle.

As Days of Our Lives prepares to say goodbye to John Black, fans are urged to tune in for what promises to be one of the most emotional weeks in the show’s history. His last words, Marlena’s grief, and Salem’s mourning will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts.

So get the tissues ready — because from June 2nd to 6th, Days of Our Lives will take us on a powerful journey of love, loss, and legacy. And while John Black may be gone, his spirit, his strength, and his love will live on in the people whose lives he touched — and in the hearts of fans who will never forget him. 💔