Days of Our Lives has given fans a glimpse at John Black’s (Drake Hogestyn) funeral. The Salem hero died this week, nine months after Hogestyn passed away from a private battle with pancreatic cancer. Access Hollywood shared a first look at John’s funeral, which will air on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10. The funeral takes place at the back of St. Luke’s church, where Victor’s (John Aniston) and Doug’s (Bill Hayes) funerals are held.
One Reddit user captured the images from Access Hollywood to let fans know it will be a rough couple of days. Several pictures are in the thread, including one of Marlena (Deidre Hall) staring at various pictures of her beloved John. Two pictures feature an emotional Brady (Eric Martsolf) hugging Marlena at the funeral. Eric (Greg Vaughan) delivers a speech, kicking off the tribute to not just John, but Hogestyn.
There isn’t a dry eye in the house as Belle (Martha Madison), Carrie (Christie Clark), Steve (Stephen Nichols), Kayla (Mary-Beth Evans), Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Roman (Josh Taylor), Paul (Christopher Sean), Tate (Leo Howard), Abe (James Reynolds), Paulina (Jackée Harry), Johnny (Carson Boatman), Chanel (Raven Bowens), and Andrew (Colton Little) gather to say goodbye to a legend.
Although he’s not featured in the photos, fans know Will (Chandler Massey) will also be at the funeral. The character returned to Salem last week after John’s accident. Jack (Mathew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Anna (Leann Hunley), and Tony (Thaao Penghlis) are all back for John’s funeral, too. They will be in the mix at some point, even though they were not in the Access Hollywood first look. Grab those tissues, Days of Our Lives fans, because the funeral for John Black and tribute to Drake Hogestyn is going to be a tearjerker. We are so not ready!
A Legendary Goodbye: What John Black Meant to Salem
If you’ve ever watched Days of Our Lives, chances are you’ve felt the magnetic pull of John Black. A fixture in Salem for decades, he’s been everything from a priest to a super-spy, but above all—a family man. So when news broke that a funeral was coming for John Black, it wasn’t just a plot twist—it was the end of an era.
Why This Scene Is More Than Just a Farewell
The Emotional Gravity of John’s Funeral
Let’s be real—soap opera funerals hit differently. They’re not just goodbyes; they’re emotional roller coasters packed with unresolved drama, tearful flashbacks, and unexpected twists. But John Black’s funeral? It’s in a league of its own. Fans who got a sneak peek say the scene feels like a love letter to every chapter of his life.
The Setting: Salem’s Heartbreak in One Chapel
A Visual Tribute to Legacy
Set in Salem’s church, the same place where many of John’s most iconic moments unfolded, the funeral features soft lighting, classic hymns, and deeply symbolic set pieces. The black-and-white photos, the folded leather jacket, even Marlena’s trembling hands clutching the eulogy—it’s all designed to hit you right in the feels.
H2: Who Attended John Black’s Funeral?
H3: Familiar Faces Return
From Steve “Patch” Johnson to Brady and Belle, everyone close to John returns to pay their respects. Even estranged characters find their way back, highlighting just how many lives John touched. It’s like a Salem family reunion—only with tears instead of turkey.
The Flashbacks That Wrecked Us All
A Journey Through the Decades
In classic Days style, the funeral is peppered with flashbacks. Young John meeting Marlena. Fighting for custody. Going undercover. Each clip reminds viewers of his layered, complex journey—a man constantly reinventing himself but never losing his moral compass.
Marlena’s Eulogy—The Moment That Broke Everyone
A Widow’s Raw Truth
Marlena’s speech is where tissues come out. It’s not just about love; it’s about loss, fear, and fighting for every moment. Her voice cracks. Her words shake. She talks about growing old with him, about the battles they faced. You can almost hear the audience holding their breath.
Fan Reactions: Social Media Is Flooded
Twitter’s In Mourning
Within minutes of the first look dropping, #JohnBlack trended. Fans flooded platforms with clips, tributes, and disbelief. Some called it “the most powerful scene in Days history.” Others couldn’t believe this was really the end.
Why John Black’s Death Hits So Hard
A Symbol of Strength and Redemption
John wasn’t perfect—and that’s why we loved him. He was flawed, mysterious, and sometimes infuriating, but always deeply human. His passing represents the end of an era, not just for Days of Our Lives but for daytime television itself.
Behind the Scenes: How the Cast Prepared
Real Tears, Real Grief
According to cast interviews, many of the tears on set were genuine. Deidre Hall (Marlena) admitted that saying goodbye onscreen felt terrifyingly close to saying goodbye in real life. The cast didn’t just lose a character—they lost a friend.
The Writers’ Masterstroke: Building to the Goodbye
Foreshadowing and Flashbacks Woven in Weeks Ahead
Long-time viewers noticed subtle foreshadowing. Conversations about legacy. John staring too long at family photos. These quiet moments laid the groundwork for a sendoff that felt earned—not forced.
Will This Be the End? Or Just a Twist?
Soap Operas Never Say Never
You know how soaps go. Just because there’s a casket doesn’t mean it’s the end. Is there a clone? Amnesia? Secret mission? We’ve seen John “die” before, so fans aren’t ruling anything out. But this time… it feels different.
The Music: A Soundtrack for the Soul
Emotional Scores That Amplify the Moment
Soft piano melodies. Hymns that echo through the church. The music selection perfectly amplifies the sorrow and reverence of the moment. It’s like the composers dipped their pens in heartbreak.
Costume and Symbolism: Black Ties and Broken Hearts
Wardrobe That Speaks Without Words
Characters are dressed in rich, dark tones—not just out of mourning but as a visual homage to John’s past. Patch wears their old ISA pin. Marlena’s scarf is the same one she wore on their anniversary. The details speak volumes.
Legacy in Dialogue: How Characters Remember Him
Anecdotes That Paint the Full Picture
During the service, characters take turns sharing personal memories. Funny stories. Life-saving moments. Flaws. Strengths. It’s storytelling gold, reminding us that John wasn’t just a hero—he was a friend, a father, a husband, a fighter.
What Comes Next for Salem?
A City Left Reeling
John’s absence will ripple through every household. Marlena will grapple with widowhood. Brady may spiral. Steve could seek revenge. This death sets off dominoes that could fuel months—if not years—of story arcs.
Fan Tributes Outside the Show
Art, Videos, and Personal Letters
Some fans are even creating tribute videos, fan art, and digital scrapbooks. One went viral for creating a timeline of John’s life in gifs—every era, every look, every major moment. It’s clear: John Black meant something to people.
Conclusion: A Goodbye That Feels Too Real
Let’s face it: losing John Black feels personal. Whether you’ve watched since the ’80s or just hopped on recently, his presence anchored the chaos of Salem. His funeral scene is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. It’s not just about death—it’s about legacy, love, and letting go. And while we may never be ready to say goodbye, Days of Our Lives made sure we’d never forget him.
