For nearly five decades, Monica Quartermaine has been the steady heartbeat of Port Charles—a doctor, a mother, and a pillar of the Quartermaine legacy on General Hospital. Now, as the beloved character prepares to exit the canvas following the passing of longtime actress Leslie Charleson earlier this year, fans and cast members alike are bracing themselves for one of the most emotional storylines the soap has delivered in years.

A Farewell Long in the Making

The loss of Monica has been anticipated since news broke of Charleson’s passing, but the writers have carefully taken their time to build toward the goodbye. This fall, co-head writers Elizabeth Korte and Chris Van Etten revealed that Monica’s death will not only devastate the Quartermaine family but will ripple across the entire Port Charles community.

Her son Jason Morgan, as well as her complicated sister-in-law Tracy Quartermaine, are expected to be most deeply affected, but the writers promise this loss will bring together the show’s ensemble in unexpected and heartfelt ways. “She’s been part of the very fabric of Port Charles for almost 50 years,” Korte explained. “Her absence will leave a void that no one can easily fill.”

The Quartermaines in Mourning

For fans, the Quartermaines have long been one of soap opera’s most iconic families, representing drama, dysfunction, but ultimately resilience. Monica, who survived affairs, betrayals, and heartbreak, was always portrayed as both a fighter and a healer. Her final chapter will pay tribute not only to the character but also to the remarkable work Charleson contributed over decades.

Audiences can expect emotionally charged performances as the family gathers to mourn. The writers hinted that this storyline will serve as a unifying thread, reminding viewers of what General Hospital does best: blending heartache with hope, grief with new beginnings.

A New Face in Port Charles

Monica’s departure will also open the door for a new arrival that has soap fans buzzing. Emmy-winning actress Erika Slezak is set to join the show in a mysterious role connected to the Quartermaines.

Although speculation runs rampant, all signs suggest that Slezak will not reprise her legendary role as Victoria Lord from One Life to Live, but instead play someone entirely new. One theory gaining traction is that she could portray Monica’s long-lost sister—though nothing has been confirmed.

Fans are divided but intrigued. As one viewer wrote on social media: “I wasn’t excited at first, but this is Erika Slezak. Can you imagine her scenes with Jane Elliott as Tracy? I’m keeping an open mind.”

Honoring Monica’s Legacy

Monica first appeared on General Hospital in 1976, originally portrayed by Patsy Rahn before Leslie Charleson assumed the role the following year. Over time, she became an indispensable part of the show, navigating her turbulent marriage to Alan Quartermaine, raising her children A.J., Jason, and Emily, and standing as a force in the hospital and her family home alike.

Charleson’s final on-screen appearance was on December 21, 2023. Though she has been absent in recent months, the planned tribute ensures her legacy won’t simply fade away—it will be honored in a storyline befitting a character of her stature.

Why This Goodbye Matters

Soap operas thrive on drama and shocking twists, but farewells like this remind viewers why they stay invested for decades. Monica’s departure represents not just the end of a character but the closing of an era. Her storylines shaped General Hospital across generations, and her goodbye will likely bring together viewers old and new to remember the power of her presence.

As one longtime fan commented, “I grew up watching Monica Quartermaine. My mom loved her. Now my daughter watches with me. Saying goodbye feels like saying goodbye to part of our family.”

What Comes Next

The tribute episodes are expected to air later this fall on ABC, with episodes available on Hulu for streaming. While fans prepare tissues for what promises to be a heartbreaking farewell, there is also a sense of anticipation: how will Erika Slezak’s mysterious new character tie into the Quartermaine legacy? Will she heal the wounds Monica leaves behind, or create new ones?

One thing is certain—Port Charles will never be the same.