Days of Our Lives Star Peggy McCay Dead at 90

Legendary soap actress Peggy McCay has passed away at 90 years old. According to TVLine, she died Sunday from natural causes.

McCay starred onDays of Our Lives for more than 30 years as Caroline Brady, the highly opinionated Brady family matriarch who always put her family first. Although she is best known for her iconic turn on Days, she also appeared in a number of other projects including Gunsmoke, Cold Case, L.A. Law, Cagney & Lacey, The Jeffersons, The Waltons and Bonanza.

McCay's co-star Deidre Hall paid tribute to her long-time castmate on Monday. "She was a friend, an activist and a real scrapper!!," Hall wrote in a touching Facebook post on her official fan page. "I remember meeting her at the bedside of a dear, very ill friend. I backed her up as she ferociously took on doctors and nurses to make sure he had the very best care. She fought that hard for all her causes. Passionate and tireless. And how she loved being 'Caroline!!'"

Stephen Nichols, who played Steve "Patch" Johnson on Days, also opened up about McCay's passing. "Well Peggy, this is unexpected. The last time I saw you, you talked about how eager you were to get back to work. You said it with such conviction and longing," he wrote on Instagram. "Don't worry, you gave the world plenty. Gave your audiences inspired performances and your fellow actors your strength and inspiration and absolute love of the work. I will miss you sweet, Peggy. I am so grateful for the time I had with you. Sending love to your loved ones. Rest In Peace. #days #mamabradyforever"

McCay's passing comes after Frank Parker, who played her on-screen husband Shawn Brady, died from complications of Parkinson's disease and dementia in September.