Alison Sweeney played the role of Sami Brady on Days of Our Lives for 21 years. This week she bid them both a bittersweet goodbye. As People reports, ‘She was loved, she was loathed, but Sami Brady was never ignored.’

Whether Sami was conspiring, lying, cheating, or sleeping with someone else’s husband, boyfriend, or fiance–she was always getting the attention of her fans. Some loved to hate her. Some hated to love her–but they did just the same. And now, they are left–along with anyone else who loves Days of Our Lives–with a gaping hole.

Alison Sweeney posted a poignant farewell to her fans via Facebook.

It was back in January that Alison Sweeney announced–much to the chagrin of Days fans–that she would be leaving the show toward the end of 2014. Since Sweeney also serves as host for The Biggest Loser, she hadn’t had more than a two-week break since all the way back in 1993.

“For seven years I’ve done both shows,” she said when she announced her impending departure. “I’m really just excited to be with my kids and be with my husband and, I don’t know, have fun. And I write. My second book’s coming out. I love directing and just, you know, finding things to do.”

The end of an era. #DAYSofSami #DAYS #GoodbyeSami #SamisLastDay pic.twitter.com/JuHLA75r9r

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) October 30, 2014

Extra reports that Alison Sweeney will be flexing her director’s muscles, too, for some episodes of General Hospital.

Sweeney told HollywoodLife that she’s pleased with how Days of Our Lives ended Sami Brady’s reign.

A sweet goodbye. #DAYSofSami #GoodbyeSami #BTS pic.twitter.com/1S22qpOKKC

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) October 30, 2014

“Can’t make promises about it, I don’t know how other people will feel, but yes, I’m happy with it. Given the circumstances of how everything got to that point, yeah,” she said.

Lots of Days of Our Lives actors bid adieu to Alison and Sami this week.

So. Many. Feels. #GoodbyeSami #DAYSofSami #BTS pic.twitter.com/yG6Aj2YQAG

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) October 30, 2014

#LUMI says their goodbyes! #GoodbyeSami #DAYSofSami #BTS pic.twitter.com/BVyuYxKGSO

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) October 30, 2014

Awwwww! #GoodbyeSami #DAYSofSami #BTS pic.twitter.com/GIWelAPKAS

— Days of our Lives (@nbcdays) October 31, 2014

Did you see Alison Sweeney’s last days on Days this week? Are you among those who are saddened at Sami Brady’s departure from Salem?

At least fans can still tune in to The Biggest Loser for their Alison Sweeney fix. Things won’t be the same in Salem, however–not for a very long time.