Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Suffers a Heartbreaking Loss

Michelle Stafford thanks friends, followers, and fans for their support in light of a recent heart-breaking loss. The Young and the Restless actress, who portrays Phyllis on the show, has suffered the death of a loved one.

Honoring A Real-Life Super Couple

“I was a witness to some profound moments of love recently between my mom and Stepfather that will be seared into my being for eternity,” Stafford shared on Instagram along with a photo of her mom and step-dad that can be seen below.

“My gorgeous Joe,” she added. “You fought a valiant fight right to our very last breath. Me, my sister, our kids, and our mother are better for having known you. No words can express the love I feel. Rest with angels. Until we meet again.”

While Stafford referred to her stepdad as “Joe,” his name was Ed Lee, a longtime off-ice official with the National Hockey League. The actress tweeted about her stepdad after he was honored during a recent LA Kings hockey game.

Stafford continued to share her feelings in a follow-up social media post. “Time moves on…Don’t it?” she wrote. “I want to thank you all for the outpouring of love and condolences. You are all so beautiful. I’m actually blown away by all the love I have received from you all here. The love from my friends. From my coworkers at #YR and some of my old coworkers at #GH Thank you for the care. Thank you SO much. You will never know just how much it means to me.”

Well-wishers included The Bold and the Beautiful‘s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), who wrote: “I’m so sorry to hear this. Hang in there. Sending you lots of love and big hugs.” Condolences also came from B&B’s Don Diamont (Bill), Tracey Bregman (Lauren), and Lily Brooks O’Briant (Lucy), Stafford’s TV granddaughter. The actress’s BFF Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital) also sent heartfelt messages of support. “Oh Michelle, sending you much love,” Hughes posted. “A lovely man…I am so very sorry for your loss. Love to your family and mom.”

Soap Hub also sends Stafford condolences at this difficult time.