'Days of our Lives' tapes its 13,000th episode this week

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., July 20 (UPI) -- Days of our Lives will tape its milestone 13,000th episode this week at the Burbank Studios, NBC announced.

The network's longest running daytime drama is now in its 51st season.

To celebrate its latest achievement, a special Days of Our Lives fan event is being planned for Aug. 27 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Stars from the show will participate in a panel discussion and sign autographs.

"This is truly a staggering achievement. We have 13,000 blessings to be thankful for today. My deep and abiding appreciation to NBC and Sony Pictures Television for their unwavering support throughout the decades," executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement Tuesday. "I am so grateful to the generations of artists, craftspeople and faithful viewers who have devoted much of their lifetimes to Days of our Lives, falling in love with the people of Salem each and every episode. You have all made this breathtaking milestone possible."

"In an age of where too many shows come and go so quickly, the legacy and longevity of Days of our Lives is absolutely remarkable," added Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment. "We tip our cap to Ken Corday and his entire team, who have made the series an indelible part of television history."