“General Hospital” fans were surprised to learn during the July 3, 2025, episode that Kirsten Storms was being temporarily replaced in the role of Maxie Jones by Nicole Paggi, who had previously filled in for her in December 2023. She will only fill in for Storms for a few episodes, and then Kirsten will return to action for the week of August 18, 2025.
Her return will be brief, as Storms has posted a new video to Instagram to reveal major personal news; she is taking an extended break from the show and will be away for several months.
Kirsten Storms Has Decided to Relocate to Nashville
ABCThe GH star reveals in the caption to her video that she is moving to Nashville with her daughter, Harper Rose Barash, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Brandon Barash (ex-Johnny, GH; ex-Stefan/Jake, Days of Our Lives).
She wrote, “I’m very excited to be making Tennessee my home! I can’t wait to return to GH once Harper and I are settled in our new town. I plan on documenting as much of this new journey on my social media as I can. It’s always been a dream of mine to move to a place like this; it’s hard to believe it’s really happening.”
In the video, Storms explains that her leave of absence has been in the works since March. “I meant to post this video a few weeks ago, and time just got away from me. But in March, I asked Frank Valentini, our amazing executive producer, I had a conversation with him about my reasons for wanting to move, and my desire to not leave the show.”
“Now, when you approach a job like this, they can always be like, ‘Forget it. I will let you out of your contract if you’re going to leave the state.’ GH did not do that, which was kind of amazing because I also asked for some time off.”
Kirsten Storms May Be Out Until the End of the Year
The actress confirms that she has wrapped up filming and may not be seen in Port Charles again before the holiday season.
“The week before last week, I had my final taping day for the year. It’s possible I will be back in December, maybe November,” she added.
“I promise you the storyline they have going on until my return to Port Charles is kind of incredible — you guys are gonna freak out, actually. Can’t wait to see the comments online about that,” she teased.
Storms has taken a long break from the show once before. In September 2011, the actress’s struggle with endometriosis forced her to take an extended medical leave, and Jen Lilley filled in as Maxie until Storms reclaimed the role in September 2012.
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Kirsten Storms Addresses Her Temporary ‘General Hospital’ Exit