Days of Our Lives: A Timeline of Love by John Black, Marlena Evans

John Black and Marlena Evans are one of daytime TV’s all-time favorite couples.

Invented Days of Our Lives duo, played by the late Drake Hogestyn again Deidre Hallrespectively, was first introduced to the show in 1986, and fans of the soap opera have seen the ups and downs of their relationship throughout the series, whose 60th season premiered in August 2024.

The fan-favorite romance, known as “Jarlena” or “Jolena,” went on to receive the Soap Opera Digest Award for Favorite Couple in 2005.

In September 2024, it was announced that Hogestyn – who joined Days in 1986 and served as a core member for almost 40 years – he died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 70 years old.

Hogestyn’s costars shared stories, memories and kind words about working with the beloved actor on the long-running show. Days after her death, Hogestyn’s on-screen love interest broke her silence again.

“For nearly four decades, Marlena Evans and I have been in love with the same man,” Hall said in a statement to Access Hollywood, referring to her soap opera alter ego. “Marlena’s John is the main hero, who rescues her from all the issues of bad people. My hosting partner was incredibly professional from the moment he entered the studio; impeccable in his preparation and ready for any occasion in any situation.”

He added, “He was kind and generous to everyone, from the senior staff to the night workers. Drake loved what he did and served and respected everyone he worked with.”

Continue reading John Black and Marlena Evans relationship timeline unfold Days of Our Lives:

Where It Began

When John arrived at the hospital in Salem, Illinois, everyone – including Marlena, the doctor – thought it was her ex-husband, Roman Brady (played by Wayne Northrop), who was presumed dead. After it was suggested that John was Roman through extensive plastic surgery, Marlena and John renewed their vows. He later “died” in a plane crash.

Return of the Dead

Years later, both Marlena and Roman come back from the dead after being presumed dead. It was also revealed that John was an impostor with Roman memories and a murderer, and their marriage was dysfunctional.

The false Roman then returned to John for good.

Moving on

Marlena and Roman continue their marriage, while John continues with Isabella Toscano (Staci Greason), eventually married. However, after Isabella’s death from cancer, Marlena and John begin to bond after John turns to his former flame for comfort during the loss of his wife.

The story

John saved Marlena when she was kidnapped and left for dead, and the two eventually began dating, leading to the pregnancy of their daughter, Belle. Their romance led to the separation of Marlena and Roman.

Dealing with demons

After Marlena was possessed by a demon, John – who believed she belonged to the priesthood in a past life – exorcised her. However, they did not continue their relationship at that time.

Moving on, Again

John continued with Kristen Blake (Eileen Davidson), who concocts scheme after scheme to keep distance between himself and Marlena. Despite her efforts, Kristen was unable to separate the two lovers, and John and Marlena reunited as a couple. John finally asked Marlena to marry him.

Marriage, Disrupted

John and Marlena were going to get married, but their wedding was interrupted by Roman, who said that he and Marlena were still married. He also said that he returned to Salem because he was terminally ill.

After being cured of his disease, Roman tried to win Marlena back, but eventually gave up, leading John and Marlena to get back together.

Marriage

John and Marlena finally tied the knot.

Another Husband

While amnesia expert Dr. Alex North (also played by Northrop) arrives in town, revealing that he was Marlena’s real-life husband from college. In the end, Marlena chose Alex over John, and they went to Morgan Island, where Alex died.

Separation

Marlena broke up with John without any hard feelings and moved to New Jersey. Then she was reported missing, John saved her.

Another Marriage

John and Marlena were married in their first official marriage. However, after being shot, John passed out and Marlena sat next to him. Months after he woke up, he was beaten in a hit-and-run and may have died in Marlena’s arms, but it was later revealed that his death was faked by his nemesis, Stefano DiMera (Joseph Mascolo), who again brainwashed him.

John then returned to Salem as Stefano’s pawn not remembering his love for Marlena.

Divorce

The couple divorced again because John could not regain his memory and lived his life under Marlena’s moral standards.

Disabled

Another accident left John paralyzed, however, allowing him to regain memories, including his memory of his relationship with Marlena. They married again and left Salem for a few years.

Love After Lockup

When John and Marlena returned to Salem for the opening of Horton Town Square, John was arrested for fraud and embezzlement. He decided to plead guilty and was sentenced to 50 years in prison without parole.

Soon after, evidence clears John’s name and he and Marlena are reunited.

Last Kiss

John and Marlena’s final scene aired on Peacock in September 2024, with the two sharing a sweet kiss.