The Young and the Restless family and millions of devoted viewers around the world are mourning an unimaginable loss. A beloved CBS legend — a woman whose presence defined the emotional heartbeat of Genoa City — has passed away. The devastating news of Marla Adams’s death, the iconic actress best known for portraying Dina Abbott Mergeron, has left both fans and castmates heartbroken.

At 85 years old, Marla Adams leaves behind an extraordinary legacy — one built on decades of unforgettable performances, deep humanity, and the kind of storytelling that made The Young and the Restless more than just a soap opera. For many, this loss feels like saying goodbye to a part of the show’s soul.

Let’s take a look back at her incredible journey, her impact on Y&R, and why her passing has sent shockwaves through the world of daytime television.

💫 A Star Who Defined an Era

Marla Adams was more than an actress — she was an institution. Joining The Young and the Restless in 1983 as Dina Abbott Mergeron, she quickly cemented herself as one of the show’s most compelling and complex figures.

Dina wasn’t just a mother or a matriarch — she was flawed, fierce, and fiercely human. She was the absentee mother who abandoned her children, yet longed for their forgiveness. She was glamorous but deeply broken, powerful yet painfully vulnerable. Through Adams’s nuanced portrayal, Dina became one of the most layered characters Y&R had ever seen.

Over the years, Marla returned to the show several times — each time bringing new emotional depth and resonance to her role. Her work during Dina’s heartbreaking Alzheimer’s disease storyline earned her a Daytime Emmy Award in 2021, a fitting tribute to her lifetime of excellence.

Her performance wasn’t just acting — it was storytelling at its purest. With quiet dignity and immense empathy, she transformed Dina’s decline into a raw, honest portrayal of love, memory, and loss that resonated with countless families around the world.

💔 The Announcement That Broke Hearts

CBS confirmed the sad news earlier this week: Marla Adams passed away at the age of 85. The official statement praised her decades-long career and her unforgettable impact on daytime television.

“Marla was a force of nature,” one CBS representative said. “Her portrayal of Dina Abbott Mergeron was one of the most powerful performances in The Young and the Restless’ history. She brought depth, grace, and authenticity to every moment she was on screen.”

Her Y&R co-stars were quick to share their grief online. Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott), who played her on-screen daughter for decades, posted a touching tribute on Instagram:

“I am heartbroken. Marla was my TV mother, my mentor, my friend. She was strong, brilliant, funny, and full of life. Working with her was a privilege I will never forget.”

Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott), another longtime cast member, added:

“She gave the Abbotts their history, their heart, and their fight. Marla brought dignity to every scene. She made us all better.”

Fans flooded social media with thousands of messages, sharing their favorite Dina moments — from her fiery confrontations to her tender final scenes. Many described watching her Alzheimer’s storyline as a deeply personal experience that mirrored their own family struggles.

🌹 A Legacy of Grace and Strength

Marla Adams’s journey in Hollywood began long before Y&R. She appeared in numerous television series, including The Secret Storm, Days of Our Lives, Walker, Texas Ranger, Days of Our Lives, and The Love Boat. But it was her role as Dina that truly immortalized her in the hearts of viewers.

Her ability to balance glamour and gravity made her stand out in a crowded field of daytime stars. Dina wasn’t just a soap character — she was a woman audiences recognized. She made mistakes, sought redemption, and loved fiercely.

In interviews, Marla often spoke about how meaningful it was to play such a role later in her career. “I wanted to show that women of a certain age still have stories worth telling,” she said in a 2021 CBS interview. “Dina’s story wasn’t about endings — it was about memories, love, and forgiveness.”

That philosophy shaped her performance until her very last appearance. In her final Y&R episode, Dina’s family gathered around her bedside as she peacefully passed away. It was one of the most emotional farewells in soap history — and now, heartbreakingly, life has echoed art.

😢 The Shockwaves Through Genoa City

Inside Genoa City, the impact of Dina’s story was monumental — and off-screen, Marla’s death will reverberate for months to come.

Sources close to Y&R have hinted that the show will dedicate a special tribute episode to honor Marla’s memory. The episode is expected to feature flashbacks of her most iconic moments and heartfelt goodbyes from the Abbott family and the actors who worked alongside her.

Expect to see tears — both scripted and real — as Eileen Davidson, Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott), and Peter Bergman revisit their most emotional scenes together. Fans who have followed the Abbott family’s journey for decades will undoubtedly feel every word, every memory, every goodbye.

💐 Remembering Dina Abbott Mergeron

To remember Marla Adams is to remember Dina — the elegant, complicated woman who gave Y&R some of its most powerful scenes. Who could forget:

Her emotional reunion with her children after decades of estrangement.

Her tearful confession about her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Her final moments, surrounded by family, whispering “I remember now,” before taking her last breath.

That last scene was more than a goodbye — it was a masterclass in acting. Marla didn’t just portray a woman dying; she portrayed the beauty and pain of memory itself. It was haunting, heartbreaking, and achingly real.

Even now, reruns of that episode bring fans to tears. It’s a testament to her artistry that viewers still describe it as one of the most unforgettable moments in Y&R’s 50-year history.

🌟 Her Final Curtain Call

Marla Adams leaves behind not only a rich television legacy but also a powerful message about life, aging, and authenticity. She proved that even in a world driven by youth and glamour, true beauty comes from truth — from vulnerability, from courage, from the willingness to face time and mortality with grace.

Her work as Dina didn’t just entertain; it educated and comforted. Alzheimer’s advocacy groups often cited her storyline as an example of how television can raise awareness and empathy for real-world struggles.

“Marla Adams changed lives through her performance,” said a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association. “Her portrayal helped millions understand the disease and its impact on families. That kind of influence is rare and precious.”

🕊️ A Final Goodbye

In the end, Marla Adams wasn’t just a CBS legend — she was a pioneer, a storyteller, and a reminder that soap operas can be art at its most human.

Her passing leaves a hole that can never truly be filled. But in every Y&R episode, in every Abbott family scene, her spirit endures.

As fans light candles, share clips, and say their goodbyes, one thing is clear: Marla Adams will never be forgotten. Her laughter, her strength, and her elegance will forever echo through the halls of Genoa City — and in the hearts of those who loved her.

Rest peacefully, Marla. You were, and always will be, the heartbeat of The Young and the Restless. 💔🌹✨