Soap fans, buckle up! It’s a bittersweet moment for viewers of General Hospital as fan-favorite Kirsten Storms, who has played Maxie Jones for over two decades, recently revealed her temporary departure from the show. But don’t panic — this isn’t goodbye forever.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Storms opened up to her loyal followers, sharing the real reason behind her absence, the timeline for her return, and how the show is keeping Maxie’s story alive in Port Charles while she’s away. Let’s break it all down.

💬 “It’s Always Been a Dream of Mine…”

Storms surprised fans by announcing her move from Los Angeles to Tennessee with her daughter, Harper Rose Barash, whom she shares with former GH co-star Brandon Barash (Johnny Zacchara).

“I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home!” Storms shared. “I can’t wait to return to GH once Harper and I are settled into our new town. I plan on documenting as much of this new journey on social media as I can. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to a place like this; it’s hard to believe it’s really happening.”

This move, she said, was planned well in advance. In fact, she had already discussed her exit with GH’s executive producer Frank Valentini back in March.

📺 A Familiar Face Fills In

Storms’ absence didn’t go unnoticed. Last week, fans were quick to point out that Nicole Paggi, who temporarily played Maxie in December 2023, had once again stepped in.

Storms, who recently celebrated her 20th anniversary on the show, was quick to thank both the network and writers for their support, praising their flexibility during this big life transition.

“Most jobs wouldn’t allow this kind of break. They’d just let you out of the contract. But I’m lucky. The team at GH has been nothing but understanding.”

She also made it clear that Paggi’s return was the right call: “I’m happy they found someone to keep Maxie’s story going. It’s important for the fans and for the show.”

🗓️ When Will Kirsten Storms Return?

According to Soap Opera Digest, Storms will appear again the week of August 18. After that? She’s taking an extended break that could last until November or December — possibly longer.

“I’ve already filmed my last episode for the year,” Storms confirmed in her video. “It’s possible I will be back in December, maybe November.”

For fans worried about Maxie vanishing from the screen, this update came as a relief. Storms teased that the writers have something “incredible” planned for the months ahead:

“I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible. You guys are gonna freak out, actually.”

Sounds like GH fans better keep tuning in.

🚨 Don’t Believe the Rumors

As with any major soap departure, rumors began to swirl about Storms possibly leaving the show for good. But the actress was quick to shut those down.

“If you don’t read about it or watch a video on it from my page, take it with a grain of salt. People like to say a whole bunch of stuff.”

She emphasized this is just a break, not a farewell — and there’s no behind-the-scenes drama causing her exit.

⏳ Not Her First Hiatus

Longtime fans know this isn’t the first time Kirsten Storms has stepped away from the show. Back in 2011, she took a medical leave due to endometriosis, with actress Jen Lilley stepping in until Storms returned.

But every time she’s left, she’s come back — and this time is no different.

🧭 What’s Next for Maxie?

Maxie Jones has been through everything — love, loss, heartbreak, career changes, motherhood. While Kirsten Storms is away, GH is continuing to explore Maxie’s role in Port Charles. Whether she’s caught in family drama or entangled in Deception’s future, Maxie remains a central figure in ongoing storylines.

Nicole Paggi will help bridge the gap while Storms takes time to settle into her new life. And given Storms’ promise of jaw-dropping plot twists, fans might even find themselves on the edge of their seats in her absence.

❤️ A Moment of Gratitude

Storms concluded her video with a message of love and appreciation:

“Thank you to everyone who’s supported me over the years. Playing Maxie has been the honor of my life. I’m not leaving, just taking some time to give my daughter a fresh start. And I’ll be back.”

📝 Final Thoughts

In the ever-evolving world of soap operas, characters come and go — but few leave an impression like Kirsten Storms’ Maxie Jones. While her presence will surely be missed in the coming months, the transparency and honesty with which she’s handled her break has only deepened fans’ love and respect for her.

And let’s be honest — the countdown to her return has already begun.