Days Of Our Lives Cast Members React To Kristian Alfonso Exit News — Which Co-Star Thinks She'll Be Back?

Like sands through the hourglass, Kristian Alfonso has slipped away from Days of Our Lives — and the actress' co-stars are filling their social media feeds with tributes to the departing soap opera vet.

On Monday, Alfonso announced that she would not return to NBC's daytime drama when it restarts production in September. She began playing the role of Hope on the soap in 1983.

"Days of Our Lives has been a vital part of both my personal and professional journey," the actress said in a statement. "I am forever grateful to NBC and the late Betty Corday, who took a chance on me many years ago and changed my life. I have built some lifelong friendships with my extraordinarily talented castmates. Days has one of the hardest working crews in all of television, many of whom have become part of my extended family. I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people's homes for over three decades."

She added that she filmed her final episode "several months ago."

After news of her exit broke, Alfonso's co-workers, past and present, immediately began posting public well-wishes on Instagram. So TVLine's Salem bureau gathered a sampling of those fond memories, congratulations and predictions — including the one from the co-star who thinks Alfonso will definitely be back — in the rundown below. Scroll down to see what past and present Days of Our Lives cast members had to say about Alfonso's farewell, then hit the comments with Hope-ful thoughts of your own!

"I love you sister"

"An inspiration to us all – love to you GF 👏🏻👏🏻😘😘❤️💔"

"You were there when I first started my TV journey. Always supportive and with a ready smile. To your next chapter! I will always remember the laughs we shared on stage. 🙏❤️👏👏👏"

"Gonna miss your smiling face, Baby. What an amazing run. But... I think you'll be back. Lots of love.❤️❤️❤️"

"❤️"

"Classy as always! You have brightened so many lives, mine included! Now go do some well-earned day-drinking!!😊👍👏🏼🎉🍾💕💕💕"

"So much love and respect for you @kristianalfonso!"

"Well said mama 😍 proud of you."

"Kristian, I still remember the first time I met you. My first day of work on the show, 20 years ago this month. You were so gracious and welcoming to me, as terrified as I was at the time as a green 19 year old kid. Thank you for that day, and all the days since. You are one of the greats, professionally AND personally. I will miss seeing your face in Salem. Thank you for all that you have done for DAYS, and for me. 🙏🏻♥️"

"It will never be the same. 😔"

"Love you to the moon and back😘 can't wait to see what's next🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻"

"It was an absolute pleasure to share the stage with you @kristianalfonso – your professionalism, talent and work ethic has inspired me so much! Anytime we'd see each other at work, you would always greet me with a big hug and smile asking how myself and Alyssa were doing. That meant the world to me. Thank you for your kind words and advice throughout the years. I'm excited to see your next chapter!"

"You are the epitome of class wrapped up in the most beautiful shell!! I absolutely loved being able to work with such an icon!! Wishing you nothing but the best in whatever your next chapter is."

"Iconic. Kristian, it was an honor to share the stage with you. From day 1 you welcomed me with open arms and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to tell stories alongside you, especially these last few months. I'm rooting for you. Here's to your next chapter! 🥂 #BostonStrong"

Krista Allen (Billie)

"Wow! – I'm sending you all the love! Thank you for making my time on the show so awesome. I loved being the Billie to your Hope. – There have been 3 Billie's (😂) but there will always be only ONE Hope. You're a legand KA. Let's get that coffee when we can!✨"

Lamon Archey (Eli)

"Best of luck Kristian! It was always pleasure working with you. You'll definitely be missed. ❤️"

Brandon Barash (Jake/Stefan)

"What a pleasure it's been! Miss you already! Congrats on that next chapter! ❤️✨❤️"

Darin Brooks (Max)

"Congrats! All you guys were my first family on TV! 😁 Lots of love to you on the next adventure! ❤️👍🤙😎🙌"

Molly Burnett (Melanie)

"♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️"

Linsey Godfrey (Sarah)

"I love you so much, Mama. You're such sunshine and joy at work. I will miss you so much but I'm grateful for every minute I got with you and for our friendship."

Greg Rikaart (Leo)

"Congratulations, Kristian! I will always be particularly grateful to you for you the kindness and earth you showed me from day one. How lucky everyone at Days & the fans have been all these years. Enjoy all the next adventures. ❤️😘"

Sal Stowers (Lani)

"It's had truly been an honor getting to know you and working with you. Thank you for all your beautiful words of wisdom and being such a dear friend to me. I love you. ♥️"

Paul Telfer (Xander)

"So lucky that I got to work with you – wishing you the very best for all your future endeavors and successes! ❤️"