
Photo Credit: Charles Bush
On-Air On-Soaps has heartbreaking news this morning. After putting up one hell of a fight, as she always has done with such bravado and passion throughout her life, The Young and the Restless’ Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) has passed away this morning a few hours ago. The news first broke from Corbin Bernsen, Jeanne’s beloved son, who took to facebook and made this statement:
Corbin stated: “Wasn’t sure how I would have to say these words so I opt for simplicity at least to begin…My mother passed away this morning just a short time ago, peaceful with my sister by her side, in her sleep. I was going to visit this afternoon, thought I had time. Reminder to self – time is a precious thing. I too am at peace however. I said my goodbyes several times over during the last few weeks. I’ll go one last time now for a gentle kiss a final farewell for this lifetime. She has been a blaze her entire life, that beacon, that boxer I spoke of earlier. She went the full twelve rounds and by unanimous decision… won! And while her light finally gave into the wind that gives flight to all our journeys, there will always be a glimmer left behind by what she stood for. I will speak about that more in coming days, months I suppose. I will certainly dedicate what remains of my life to continue her purpose of honesty, equality, humility, empathy and love. So many of you have said your prayers for her and right now, today, I can say the best way to honor her is to inhabit your lives with those things she stood for. I would ask that closer friends respectfully give us some time to find our family’s path in this transition, and please limit calls, emails and the rest for a couple of days. As always, your outpouring of love here on this page, is not only welcomed to continue but truly appreciated and comforting. I asked my sister what time she passed exactly, and she told me (not to important for public record) but I was working out and just happened to pick out a song for my final moments on the treadmill – “Everlasting Light” by the Black Keys. Oh what a wonder it all is… what a magnificence!”

Photo Credit: Kathy Hutchins
Thus far several of Jeanne’s long time cast mates have taken to social media to share in their grief including, Daniel Goddard (Cane) who tweeted “I am just crushed to hear that #JeanneCooper has passed away. We have lost an icon. She was the grand dame, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of millions. I am honored and so privileged to have been part of her miraculous life… and she will always be in my heart.”
Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by Jeanne’s passing! She had struggled enormously to the very end! She loved her fans, & we all loved working with her! It feels like the end of an era! Everyone here is just deeply saddened! I loved working with her! We always had some laughs! She had a very loving family around her! Corbin and Collin and Caren and their loved ones were always at Jeanne’s side!” Eric’s on-screen son,Joshua Morrow (Nick Newman) tweeted: “These hallowed halls will never be the same :(”
We will have more throughout the day on the passing of Jeanne Cooper, as we, along with all of you, try to wrap our head around this devastating loss to daytime and for all those she touched and she knew personally.
So very sad today, I hope Jeanne is at peace. She has been in my life for nearly 40 years through her craft. I have no words. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
She’ll be missed. 🙂
Sad, sad day for her family, her Y&R family and her fans. Thank you, Jeanne for the years of entertainment.
Such a great great loss. I have watched her for many years as Mrs. Chancellar on the Y & R. The show will not be the same without her…Hugs and prayers to her family and on screen family. I’m sure everyone is devasted by her passing.
What you said Vickie is so true. It is really a sad day. It is like loseing your own family.
I have watched since the show started. Hugs from me for everyone in her family and prayers to go with them
My deepest sympathies go out to Jeanne Coopers family.
she WA always my favorite on YR. Loved her one Bonanza and the old westerns too
God bless may she raise hell up in heaven as she did on earth.
So sad Will miss her. Have been watching Y&R many years. Katerine is a big part of it. ever since heard she was so sick have been praying for her healing. when I heard the news the tears started coming down my face. No one else should play Katherine. They should just write the character out. What happened to her?
omg Jeannie i will MISS you so very much honey i was sitting in my recliner and talking to my son when it flashed across the screen that you passed away !! My heart sunk and i started to cry i have enjoyed watching you on Y&R since the beginning the show will NOT be the same without you you will truely be missed sooo much rest in peace my sweetheart and i hope i meet u one day when i meet you in heaven my love goes out to your family good bye dutchess I love you xoxoxoxoxoxo and… Read more »
I was so sorry to hear this, My god bless you and your family in this time of grief
Rest in peace, Duchess
I am broken hearted! What a privilege to have Jeanne in my life. She was a true, generous , loving friend and I adored her! Her legacy is secure. She has brightened the lives of many, on and off camera and she instilled in all of us the desire to better. I will miss her everyday of my life. My love and prayers go out to Corbin, Collin, Caren , Evelyn and her grandchildren. Devastated.
I am very sad too. I spoke to Jeanne several times on Facebook a few years ago, and she was so real and so genuine. There will never be anyone else like her. As a matter of fact, we talked about you! If you don’t mind, I wrote something for you the other day and I would like to share it with you. Consider this an early birthday gift from me. I hope it cheers you up, at least a little bit. My prayers are with you.
Thank you so much, Allison. It is a sad time.
You’re very welcome. I’m sorry that I can’t show you that message I wrote you the other day. For some reason it’s not working… Still thinking of you.
As I said the other day, Jeanne and I used to talk about you on Facebook. I came to her and I asked her to tell you what an awesome person I think you are and that I am your #1 fan, and she responded to me and said, “YES. He is the most wonderful man I know.” It was one of the most touching things I have ever read. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I will really miss her too. I hope this message makes you feel better. I just want you to know that I care…
Although we knew this was a possibility it was still a bit of a surprise to hear the news. She was a wonderful actress who gave many powerful performances. So all I can do now, is take a moment to stand, give her a standing ovation and say Rest in Peace Jeanne, you will be deeply missed.
My prayers go out to the family…. Much beloved.
what a lady, heaven is going to get interested!
RIP Mrs. C
Oh my, my prayers to Corbin and his family.
So sorry to hear of her passing! Katherine Chancellor is my favorite character from Y&R. Jeanne Cooper will be sorely missed by many. I’m only 22 years old and I love her. #RestInPeaceJeanne
My Prays and thoughts go out to all the family, friends and Fans.. So sorry for your loss, My prays go out also to all the Daytime T.V. that has work with Mrs.C for so many years and have such a wonderful Relationship with her.. Daytime T.V. will never be the same without her.. I love watching Young and Restless and Always look forward to seeing her.. You will be in my thoughts and prays.. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE JEANNE COOPER.. You will always be loved MRS.C
I just want to say how deeply sorry i am to here of the passing of Jeanne Cooper. I have watched her on the Y&R for so many yrs and have loved her ever since. The show will never be the same no mater who takes her role. Not to say that they want do a great job, however there is only and will only be one Jeanne Cooper and no one will ever will ever fill her shoes. Bless her sole alway’s. My heart goes out to the family and children of Mrs. Cooper my god be with u… Read more »
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother and the loss of such a magnificant actress that I and my family have watched and loved her since the beginning of th Y&R!! She did not give up without a fight. May Jeanne now be at peace! Through God hope the family can find the strength as they mourn the loss of their Mother!! She is an icon and always be remembered and loved!! Always in our thoughts and our hearts forever!! Going to Miss U Mrs. C. Y&R will never be the same!! RIP Jeanne Cooper<3
So sorry for your loss fly high sweet Angel you will be missed so much!!!
There are no words to express how I feel, I held her hand once , I hugged her once, and loved her always.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal….you have amazing children. You left a mark on all our hearts, your professional work and your love, kindness and your beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
RIP my wonderful Jeanne.
A sad day. She was the face of daytime. I will remember her forever.
I LOVED HER BIG SHOES TO FILL WILL MISS HER REST IN PEACE
RIP Jeanne Cooper!
I have watched her since I was very young and I will forever miss Mrs.C….R.I.P. sweet lady
So very sad to hear about Jeanne’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friend. She will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to hear of her passing……She was truly a “Dutchess”….
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family. She was a great friend and she will be missed.
R.I.P (MRS. C) Jennie Cooper you will truely be missed.
Rip Jeanne Copper your deeply missed by many of your tv fans
R.I.P. Jeanne….you will be dearly missed!! @CBS…It is understandable that a “replacement” actress may have to step in…temporarily…to wrap up “Mrs. Chancellor’s” storyline. PLEASE DO NOT attempt to “replace” Jeanne permanently….there is ABSOLUTELY NOBODY who can fill her shoes or do justice to the role that she played…the role that she “Birthed” from the beginning and evolved into the beautiful, intelligent, spirited and feisty, yet dignified businesswoman who was also very classy, loving and loyal!! I am sure a “tribute” will be put together…which should be fitting for the “Duchess” she was. I personally would love to see it in… Read more »
My prayers are with the family of Jeanne Cooper.
She will be missed as Mrs. C on the Young & Restless.
A great actress and legend in daytime , she will live on in our hearts . Young and the restless will be the same without Kay.
To Corbin and family , words could not express the sadness I am feeling of the passing of our beloved icon Jeannie Cooper. She will be so very missed. Y&R has truely suffered there greatest loss.
I prayed that Jeanne Cooper would find peace in her fight and it seems she went peacefully. I will continue to pray for her family & friends & will forever miss her presence on Y&R. Rest in peace Dutchess.
my deepest condolances.My prayers are with the family of our dear Ms Cooper.She will be so missed.
WE ALL LOVED THE WONDERFUL AND EXCITING KATHERINE CHANCELOR. WHEN I READ THAT SHE PASSED AWAY, TEARS FORMED AND MY HEART FELT VERY EMPTY. LIKE SO MANY OTHER FANS, I HAVE WATCHED Y&R FOR OVER 30 YEARS….AND WAS ALWAYS IN AWE OF OF “KATHERINE.” WAITING TO SEE HER FASHION ATTIRE—THE FABULOUS JEWELRY, HER UNIQUE STYLE AND HOW HER CHARACTER SMOOTHED THE FUEDS BETWEEN THE ABBOTS AND THE NEWMANS! HER DELIGHTFUL WIT & CHARM ~~AS WELL AS HER BEAUTIFUL SMILE! I AM GRIEVING TODAY AS I FEEL LIKE I HAVE LOST A FRIEND. YOUNG AND RESTLESS WILL REMAIN STRONG BECAUSE OF… Read more »
Katherine Chancellor Sterling Murphy has left the building…. 8c(
RIP Jeanne Cooper – thank you for the decades of entertainment – you will be sorely missed!!
so sorry to hear of your loss Corbin….she will always be remembered as mrs.c.. i have watched y &r from day 1… much love and hugs to you and your family
I am so sorry for your loss and ours, the fans. Your mother is one of the reasons I watched Y&R, she was a wonderful actress, I will miss her smiling face and attitude on the show,. My heart goes out to all who loved her,.
Sad news! I watched her on Gunsmoke and other primetime shows way before she was on Y&R! She was a beatiful classy lady and she’ll be missed!
I was deeply sadden when I read the post from Corbin this morning. Jeanne, Ms. C. will be greatly missed. You fought a great battle, you earned your wings…sore high with the angels sweet lady. Rest In Peace high on that mountain, your work on earth is done. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as they prepare for the days ahead.
One of your many devoted fans…..Thanks for the memories!
I was saddened to hear of Jeanne Cooper passing.Jeanne was a classy, kind, woman. Truly a lady! She was so full of life. I watched Y&R from the onset..they were like my extended family.Im sure she will be missed by many people.My heart goes out to her family Rest in peace Jeanne..
She was one of a kind and will be very missed.
Such a unique actress: When she was on-screen, you sat up and took notice! A combination of well-honed acting skill, a dynamic presence, and a performer who thoroughly knew this character inside and out. I even remember her less-heralded storylines (a homoerotic relationship with Joanne Curtzynski, brief fling with Felipe Ramirez, etc.). And her remarkable chemistry with Beau Kayzer, Brenda Dickson, Quinn Redeker, Julianna McCarthy and Jess Walton. I will miss her forever…
I watched her from day one with my sister. You will be missed GREATLY!
Rest in Peace Jeanne Cooper. I will be dearly missed among your real life family and of course the daytime family. Perhaps in the Heavens Soap Opera, Katherine Chancelor and Edward and Lila Quatermaine are have afternoon tea together.
Rest in Peace Jeanne Cooper. You will be dearly missed among your real life family and of course the daytime family. Perhaps in the Heavens Soap Opera, Katherine Chancelor and Edward and Lila Quatermaine are have afternoon tea together.
So sad to hear about this. Rest in Peace Jeanne Cooper.
so sorry to hear of Jeanne’s passing my prayers go out to her family and dearest friends she will be missed by so many, have watched her on young and he restless for ever she truly made that show what it is today rest in peace sweet jeanne