'General Hospital says goodbye to Monica Quartermaine and the late actress, Leslie Charleson, who played the role for decades

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- "General Hospital" fans got their first look at the often feisty Dr. Monica Quartermaine back in 1977, but now, the show is saying goodbye to the classic character.

The actress who played Monica, Leslie Charleson, passed away earlier this year. Thursday afternoon's episode was the first of a two-part farewell to her character.

The people of Port Charles and the fans of "General Hospital" are together mourning the passing of Dr. Monica Quartermaine.

"It's an actor that died and a character that died, so the duality of it, the depth of it, is painful and difficult to deal with," said Jane Elliot, who plays Tracy Quartermaine on the show. "To finally let go of the character is -- it's heart-wrenching."

Steve Burton plays Jason Morgan on the show, and says saying