Following the shock that rocked Salem, the biggest question haunting fans wasn’t “what happened,” but “what will happen next.” John Black’s death not only closed an era, but also opened a vast void in the life of the woman who was so closely associated with him for decades: Marlena Black.

Marlena after her loss: The pain is far from over.

On June 2, 2025, Salem fell silent when John Black was written out following the real-life death of Drake Hogestyn. For Marlena, this wasn’t simply the loss of a husband; it was the loss of half her soul. Lead writers Jeanne Marie Ford and Paula Cwikly admitted that this grief “was consuming” Marlena, leaving her completely unwilling to think about new love.

In the world of soap opera, where death has been “reversed” many times, this farewell takes on a completely different character. It is permanent. And Marlena, a symbol of strength, is now forced to confront an inescapable solitude.

A revelation from the writing department: The door isn’t closed, but it’s locked tight.

When asked if Marlena could love again, the creators responded cautiously: “Anything is possible, but not now.” It wasn’t a promise, nor a denial. It was a deliberate pause, enough to leave the audience both hopeful and apprehensive.

The underlying message is clear: if Marlena falls in love again, it won’t be a hasty relationship or a replacement for John. It has to be a long, painful, and agonizing journey.

Deidre Hall speaks out: Hope is faint but real.

Deidre Hall, who lived with Marlena for over 40 years, shares a similar perspective. She believes Marlena “can fall in love again,” but it all depends on the screenwriter’s vision and finding “someone worthy of John Black’s legacy.”

It was a huge challenge. Because John wasn’t just love; he was the standard. Any man who entered Marlena’s life afterward would be compared, measured, and judged mercilessly.

John and Marlena: An irreplaceable super couple.

Since Hogestyn joined the cast in 1986, the story of “The Pawn” has gradually revealed a legendary love affair. John and Marlena not only love each other, they live, die, and are reborn together through a series of conspiracies, amnesia, and tragedy.

They are Salem’s emotional anchor, the reason why generations of viewers have stayed with the show for decades. Having Marlena fall in love with someone else wasn’t just a script decision, but a test of fan loyalty.

The future in 2026: New love or a new mission?

Another possibility being discussed is that Marlena will not fall in love, at least not in the near future. Instead, she may be drawn into new missions, medical mysteries, or Salem’s psychological crises, where her intellect and heart remain crucial.

With Peacock heavily investing in Days of Our Lives, every choice had to be a balance between respecting the past and creating a compelling future.

The ending is yet to be written: What will Marlena choose?

One thing is certain: Marlena’s journey after John will not be smooth sailing. Whether it’s a new love or a solitary life, every step will spark debate, bring tears to the audience’s eyes, and keep them glued to the screen — will a heart that once loved so deeply truly dare to open up again?