Q: I am in shock. I just read that the actress who plays Theresa on "Days of Our Lives" is leaving the show. What is up with that? — Marsha of Gainesville, Fla.

A: Jen Lilley has played Theresa Donovan on "Days of Our Lives" for three years. Rumors of her departure began circulating in May, and the news was confirmed June 6. Lilley has explained the reasons for her leaving "Days" in her own words. In a statement posted to her Instagram account, she wrote: "It is with bittersweet sentiment that I find myself making this statement 6 months too soon. First, I would like to say your comments, support, and well wishes regarding my recent departure from the iconic daytime drama, Days of our Lives, have melted my heart. Second, I have never enjoyed playing a character so much. I absolutely love Theresa, and the idea of not playing her pains me. I once found a quote that perfectly describes her, 'She's a mess of gorgeous chaos, you can see it in her eyes.' Exploring Theresa, from her insecurities to her strengths, from her tendency to deflect emotional anguish with comedy to her firecracker spirit has been pure joy.

"I hate to dissatisfy our love for black and white explanations, but there's no one to point your finger at here. Days of our Lives and I are parting company on the best of terms. It came down to time and the sacrifices required to keep Theresa on the front burner. Given the demanding production schedule a soap requires, that just wasn't possible with the other commitments and opportunities I wanted to pursue. As we all know in the world of soaps, good bye for now isn't always good bye forever, who knows what the future has in store for Theresa.

"I am taking time right now to be with my family, advance the charitable causes I believe in, and pursue additional career opportunities. While I've missed so many moments in my family's lives back east, I have built a west coast family at Days of our Lives, and they haven't seen the last of me! I'll be stopping by the set from time to time with baked goods and bear hugs.

"Lastly, cheer up! There are 6 more wonderful months of Theresa to enjoy. And I can honestly say that each month, the storyline gets better! My exit will have you on the edge of your seat, laughing, crying, cheering, screaming, clapping, and bewildered.

"And to the Theresa's out there: I love you, I love you, I love you. You are not alone. You are beautiful and worthy of love and happiness and joy and success! May my storyline over the next six months inspire you."

Lilley previously stepped in for Kirsten Storms as Maxie on "General Hospital" while Storms was on medical leave, and her performance caught the eye of "Days" producers, who cast her for the part of bad girl Theresa. Lilley also appeared in the 2011 Oscar-winning film "The Artist" and various TV shows such as "Two and a Half Men" and "Castle."

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.