Days of Our Lives Recap - Tuesday, June 3, 2025 | Marlena Mourns John in Gut-Wrenching Grief as Salem Rallies & Belle Shuts Down EJ

On Tuesday's episode of Days of Our Lives, three Salem storylines collide as Marlena drowns in heartbreak, Belle drags EJ with no remorse, and Kristen stirs up DiMera trouble while Brady reels from loss.

Marlena | DOOL, Peacock

Marlena's World Shattered

You’d think after everything Marlena’s survived — possessions, serial killers, kidnappings — the woman would catch a break. But no. This time, it’s the unthinkable: John Black is gone. Not missing, not presumed. Gone gone. And Marlena? She’s curled up in bed, clutching memories and unraveling by the second. And so are we! More tissues anyone?

Meanwhile, Belle wakes up thinking she’s going to check on her dad, only for Brady to stop her cold. “Dad’s gone,” he tells her. Cue the tears, the hugs, the trauma. The house fills fast — Paulina and Abe rush over, followed by the usual parade of Salem’s saddest. But none of it changes the fact that Marlena is mourning the love of her life. And to really twist the knife, she finds a voicemail from John — just him saying “I love you, Doc.” Over and over. And yes, she plays it on repeat as her tears stream like a soap opera waterfall. 

Kristen’s Latest Bargain Blows Up

While everyone else is mourning, Kristen wakes up in the DiMera mansion thinking about one thing: leverage. She tells EJ she’s holding up her end of their creepy little bargain — keep her mouth shut about Johnny and in return, he delivers her mother. EJ agrees, but he’s clearly got other things on his mind. Namely Belle. But more on that hot mess later.

Back to Kristen — she rushes to Rachel’s room after a nightmare. Poor kid dreamed Grandpa John died, which, he did. Kristen lies through her teeth and says he’s fine. Minutes later, Brady shows up with the actual heartbreaking truth. Kristen does her best to fake sympathy — and look, maybe she means it — but she’s also plotting behind those glossy DiMera eyes.

When Brady finds out Kristen’s been trading family secrets like Pokémon cards, he’s furious. And rightfully so. She thinks Rachel can just… talk it out with her therapist? Brady's not buying it. And when he questions what would happen if EJ decided Rachel was a threat? Kristen can’t even fake confidence. Typical.

Belle Reads EJ For Filth

Over in the town square, EJ thinks it’s a great time to swoop in and comfort Belle. Huge mistake. She’s not in the mood for his smolder or his drama. He tries the whole “I just wanted to be here for you” routine, and even drops the L-word. Belle responds with a spiritual slap across the face, letting him know she can practically hear her dad telling her to do better. Ouch. She tells him to back off, and not in the flirty soap way — this was ice cold, straight-up get-away-from-me energy. EJ’s left looking like he just got dumped at the altar.

John’s Legacy and Bo’s Miracle

Amid the mourning, Salem gets a flicker of joy: Hope calls Kayla and Roman with big news — Bo’s awake! That miracle sends Julie into full-on cheer mode, but the second she walks into Marlena’s home gushing, reality hits hard. She sees Marlena’s grief and immediately backpedals, offering comfort instead of celebration.

Kayla and Roman eventually make their way to Marlena’s, bringing John’s things — but one thing’s missing: that mysterious gold coin. Marlena wants to see everything now, not later. Because what else is she supposed to do? Sit around and feel sorry for herself? She’s trying, but the woman is shattered. Same.

Abe, Paulina, and Salem’s Strength

Back home, Abe and Paulina reflect on loss, love, and faith. She references a book, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” because of course she does. They find comfort in each other and in John’s memory. Abe remembers how honored he was to marry John and Marlena. The message? Even when it all falls apart, Salem pulls together — messy, dramatic, heartbreaking, and beautiful.

This is Days of Our Lives. And this is how Salem mourns a legend. RIP, John Black. 

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