The halls of General Hospital are bracing for a massive emotional shift, as longtime fans prepare to say goodbye to one of the soap’s most iconic and beloved characters: Monica Quartermaine, played for decades by the incomparable Leslie Charleson.

Following the heartbreaking news of Charleson’s passing in January, whispers have grown louder that a touching tribute storyline is finally in motion—one worthy of a woman who helped shape General Hospital history.

But in true soap opera fashion, there’s a twist that’s already got fans buzzing: could Erika Slezak, the legendary six-time Daytime Emmy winner from One Life to Live, be joining the show to play Monica’s long-lost sister?

Let’s break down what we know—and what might be coming soon to Port Charles.

A Loss Felt Across Generations

For more than 45 years, Leslie Charleson brought Monica Quartermaine to life, anchoring one of the most powerful and chaotic families in General Hospital history. Through affairs, marriages, medical crises, and tragic losses, Monica was a steady force fans came to love—even when her decisions stirred drama.

When news broke earlier this year that Charleson had passed away, fans flooded social media with condolences and memories. But the one question that remained was: how would GH honor her on screen?

Now, it seems that question is finally being answered.

Tribute and Exit Storyline in the Works

According to Daytime Confidential insiders and soap leakers, GH is preparing a powerful tribute and farewell storyline to give Monica the exit she deserves. Viewers can expect an emotional memorial service filled with familiar faces and Quartermaine drama, all crafted to honor the legacy Charleson left behind.

But the rumored appearance of Erika Slezak could take the story in a completely unexpected—and thrilling—direction.

Erika Slezak Joins GH? Rumor or Reality?

Slezak is, of course, a daytime legend best known for her role as Viki Lord Buchanan on One Life to Live, a part she played from 1971 until the show’s cancellation in 2012. Her portrayal of Viki, a character who struggled with dissociative identity disorder, earned her six Daytime Emmy Awards—a record-breaking achievement.

Now, soap insiders claim that Slezak has signed on for a short-term role on General Hospital, with whispers suggesting she could portray Monica’s previously unknown sister. If true, this development could open the door to an entirely new Quartermaine family chapter.

The dynamic between her character and the famously sharp-tongued Tracy Quartermaine (Jane Elliot) could deliver both comedic and dramatic gold. Fans are already imagining heated disputes over Monica’s will, family legacy, and even long-buried secrets.

ABC has remained tight-lipped about the casting, and Slezak has not confirmed the news publicly. But if the rumors are accurate, her appearance is expected to air sometime this fall—just in time for the emotional fallout from Monica’s on-screen death.

Could GH Bring Viki Lord to Port Charles?

Of course, fans are also speculating: what if Slezak reprises her iconic role as Viki Lord instead of debuting a new character?

There’s some logic to this idea. General Hospital has a long history of crossovers with characters from the now-defunct One Life to Live and All My Children, especially during the Prospect Park licensing era. Past visitors to Port Charles include:

Todd Manning (Roger Howarth)

Blair Cramer (Kassie DePaiva)

John McBain (Michael Easton)

Starr Manning (Kristen Alderson)

If Slezak were to reprise Viki, she could be woven into Port Charles life through Lulu Spencer, now working as a journalist at the Llanview Banner, with Viki as her editor. It wouldn’t take much to craft a believable reason for Viki to appear—especially in connection to Monica’s death or a larger mystery involving the Quartermaines.

Could Viki Be Key to Willow’s Breakdown?

Another popular theory is that Slezak’s potential role—whether new or as Viki—could tie into Willow Tait’s (Katelyn MacMullen) increasingly erratic behavior. Some fans suspect Willow may be suffering from DID (dissociative identity disorder) herself, a condition Viki understands all too well.

Could one of Willow’s alternate personalities be behind the mysterious disappearance of baby Daisy, the manipulation of Sasha Corbin (Sofia Mattsson), and her emotional distance from Michael?

It’s pure speculation at this point—but compelling nonetheless. If Slezak is returning to soaps in any form, few stories would be more fitting than one involving mental health, trauma, and redemption, especially in a post-Monica Port Charles.

More Than Just a Goodbye

Whatever the exact details of Slezak’s GH role may be, one thing is certain: viewers are eager for Monica Quartermaine to get the respectful, meaningful sendoff she deserves. Leslie Charleson dedicated nearly half a century to the role—and her passing leaves an irreplaceable gap on the canvas.

As Slezak’s rumored appearance draws nearer, longtime fans are preparing for an emotional ride—one that honors the past while possibly launching exciting new storylines.

Whether she plays Monica’s sister, returns as Viki Lord, or simply lends her gravitas to the memorial, Erika Slezak’s return to daytime TV would be a momentous occasion.