Days of Our Lives legend Drake Hogestyn’s recent passing shook us all to the core! We lost the actor to pancreatic cancer at the age of seventy,

creating a void that’s hard to fill.

DAYS fans love his portrayal of John Black, especially his pairing with Marlena Evans, who Deidre Hall played.

For decades, they remained the ultimate super couple and were popular among fans as “Jarlena.” But since Drake is no longer around, what’s next for Hall’s Marlena?

Drake’s Tragedy Sets Off Speculation!

The Days of Our Lives couple was really something, and it’s tough to see Marlena without John. Subsequently, fans are already fretting over the aftermath of this whole situation.

Over on Reddit, a fan showed concern for Deidre. They wrote, “I hope she’s feeling okay. Does anyone think Marlena is going to stay on-screen?”

Moreover, they highlighted how Julie still gets enough screen time despite Bill Hayes’ passing. In response, another fan ensured that Marlena is Salem’s only psychiatrist, and she has plenty of stories left without John.

A third fan compared the situation to DOOL characters Tom and Alice Horton. “Macdonald Carey passed in 1994. Frances Reid stayed on Days until 2007,” they shared.

Will we see something similar with Marlena? Others also echoed the same sentiment that Marlena has plenty of material to work with. And let’s not forget that Ben and Alex are still sticking around, to whom Marlena is a mother figure.

Will Marlena embark on a new path like Maggie or Julie did? Nevertheless, Deidre is a force of nature, and we don’t expect her to slow down anytime soon!

Earlier, Deidre opened up about her sorrow over losing Drake. She began her note by announcing, “For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have loved the same man.”

Aww. In addition, Hall called Drake the ultimate professional and praised his dedication to his family and DAYS crew. She added, “Victoria and their children were truly the center of his life.”

The late soap icon will be “missed beyond measure” by Hall and others who loved him. For now, we hope for an epic storyline that honors John.

Meanwhile, the Peacock soap better keep Marlena front and center in Salem. Keep reading Soap Opera Daily to stay in the loop for more updates on Days of Our Lives celebs. What are your hopes for Marlena’s future in Salem?