He will always be their John.

“Days of Our Lives” star Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black on the soap opera for nearly 40 years, has died. The actor died on Saturday at the age of 70 from pancreatic cancer – one day before his 71st birthday.

The official Instagram account for the iconic show shared the news of his death.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn,” the statement said. “He was hit with the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he rose to the challenge with incredible strength and determination.

“After fighting an incredible battle, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. He was the most wonderful husband, father, daddy and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the best cast, crew and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the days of our lives.”

Hogestyn’s co-stars have begun paying tribute to the late star via social media, sharing photos of him from the set and through the years.

“My heart,” actress Kristian Alfonso began via Instagram. “I will always remember you as a loving, loving father, husband and dear friend, but most of all an incredible, passionate human being, generous and extremely kind, always…… Thank you for the love you gave us every day, Drake on set and along the way you were always our hero.”

“I love you,” she concluded. “Rest in peace 🕊️my dear friend.”

Alfonso, 61, is best known for playing Hope Williams Brady on the show, which aired on NBC from 1965 to 2022 and is currently streaming new episodes on Peacock. The former figure skater left the show in 2020, but returns for a special storyline alongside Peter Reckell (who famously played Bo to her Hope) in honor of the show’s 60th anniversary. Per TV Line in September, the reunion episodes will air in May 2025.

Genie Francis, who played Diana Colville, wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of Drake Hogestyn. Such a wonderful and kind man. It was a pleasure to work with him. I always loved how much he loved his wife and children.”

Hogestyn’s co-star Ali Sweeney, who he has known for decades, also sent her love.

“Drake was an incredible man. He was funny, generous and thoughtful. He cared about every scene, every person. He loved Days, the fans, and shared that passion with everyone on set,” the 48-year-old actress wrote via Instagram. “My heart breaks for his family, they meant the world to him. He was such a big part of my life at Days. I will miss him terribly and cherish every story, every joke and every hug.”

Hogestyn first appeared on “Days of Our Lives” on January 24, 1986, starring on the hit for 38 years and filming more than 4,200 episodes. It became, along with Deidre Hall as Marlena Evans, one of the most famous romances in the history of daytime TV.

Hall left the show in 1987 for a role in “Our House,” but returned after its cancellation. In May 2023, she opened up about John and Marlena’s relationship during an interview with People.

“We are the couple that teaches you that people stay together through thick and thin, and they stay loving, and they stay sensual and sexual, and that it’s worth fighting for,” she said at the time. “(Fans are) able to suspend disbelief long enough to really get into the story.”

In April 2018, the pair also spoke to Soap Opera Digest in a joint interview about their long on-screen history – with Hall recalling their audition.

“I tested with him because I would have played with him and when everyone was done – obviously they watch all the scenes – and I was called up and said, ‘Okay, we know what we think, what do you think? because you have to work with him?’ And everyone agreed and it was Drake!” she gushed from the Fort Wayne, Indiana native. “Nobody came close to the kind of figure, with that kind of magic, chemistry and appeal of male heroes. And that was the beginning of it.

For his part, Hogestyn said: “No matter how much the world changes, there is one thing that does not change. There is a playfulness, there is affection on both parts that combine and make them stronger. I think John and Marlena embody the sacrifice for each other and overcoming all the obstacles that every couple faces every day. We do not take that responsibility lightly. I think this is a good signal to send to the public.”

Hogestyn is survived by his wife Victoria Post, his four children Whitney, Alexandra, Rachael and Ben and seven grandchildren.