A fan favorite is leaving Genoa City behind.

Michelle Stafford is leaving the long-running CBS soap The Young and the Restless after 16 years, a source close to the show exclusively tells E! News.

Stafford's exit follows the recent passing of beloved Young and the Restless starJeanne Cooper, whom the show will pay tribute to with a special on Tuesday, May 28.

NEWS: The CBS soap is planning a tribute to late star Jeanne Cooper

Nominated seven times for a Daytime Emmy in the Outstanding Leading Actress in a Drama Series category, Stafford took home the award in 2004. She also won the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1997.

Stafford played fan favorite Phyllis Summers on The Young and the Restless. After joining the show in 1994, she left in 1997 before returning in 2000. (Her role was taken over bySandra Nelson.)

Are you sad to see Stafford leave? Sound off in the comments!

http://www.eonline.com/news/420796/the-young-and-the-restless-shocker-michelle-stafford-exiting-after-16-years?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co

Lol this headline reminded me of those CBS SID commercials. Not a shocker she's leaving since she's no longer top dog anymore.

Well, this certainly effs up the Summer paternity story they were trying to tell.

There was a point and time when she was good and an asset to the show.

That hasn't been the case for a good 7 years or so though. So, good riddance. This character is played out and needs a rest.

Edited May 20, 201313 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

Not surprising.

For the sake of so many, I was hoping this was going to be about Khalil.

Well, this certainly effs up the Summer paternity story they were trying to tell.

I think Summer will end up getting close to Daddy Jack

will JFP recast with Robin Christopher? LOL!

That's the one red-headed FOJ I know of.

I am surprised, but not at the same time. I won't miss her, but I know that she has lot of fans who will.

Edited May 20, 201313 yr by Ann_SS

I am surprised, but not at the same time. I won't miss her, but I know that she has lot of fans who will.

Was waiting for you to get here. I know you want Jack to have a new love interest.

uh ;o

No recast please! Kill Redzilla off or send her a** to jail!!! Free Jack! Free Nick! Free EVERYONE! Drucilla, girl you can come home!!! (OK, I'm kidding with that one )

Well, this certainly effs up the Summer paternity story they were trying to tell.

JFP will recast

I am stunned tbh. Not a Phyllis or Stafford fan but she makes things happen, for better or for worse, on the show.

I suspect the JM interview where he said Shick was the endgame, coupled with a pairing with Jack that she did not want and much reduced airtime, were all factors behind her decision.

Truthfully I will miss Phyllis to hate on!