Monaco has played the role of Sam McCall on the ABC soap since 2003

Kelly Monaco is saying goodbye to Port Charles after more than two decades.

PEOPLE has learned that Monaco, 48, is leaving General Hospital later this fall. The exact details surrounding her character Sam McCall’s exit are being kept under wraps, but Soap Opera Network, who first reported the news, claims the character will be killed off.

Monaco originated the role of Sam in 2003. Since then, she’s appeared in over 2,000 episodes of the hit ABC soap opera. In 2006, she earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for best supporting actress for her portrayal of the character.

Prior to playing the reformed bad girl Sam on General Hospital, Monaco played Livvie Locke on the soap’s spinoff Port Charles from 2000-2003. She’s also known for becoming the first star to take home the Mirrorball with pro Alec Mazo in season 1 of Dancing with the Stars.

People has reached out to ABC for comment regarding Monaco’s exit.

The longtime soap star’s exit from General Hospital after 21 years comes at a transitional time for the series.

On Aug. 7, Deadline confirmed that head writer Patrick Mulcahey is leaving the show, and will be replaced by Chris Van Etten. This news comes as several former cast members have returned, including Jonathan Jackson, who reprised the role of Lucky Spencer for the first time since 2015, and Emma Samms, who will return as Holly Sutton in September.

Jackson shared the news of his return in a June Instagram post. “I’m super excited and can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles,” he said at the time. “Excited to see Genie Francis and so many others. Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years — your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all this. Thank you also to Frank Valentini and everybody at ABC also for welcoming me back.”

Meanwhile, Michael Easton, who played Hamilton Finn for 10 years on General Hospital, exited the series in June.

At the time, he said in a video on Instagram, “I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here.”

“I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you’ve shown me and my family. I won’t ever forget you,” he continued. “And as I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.”