MELODY OF LOVE: Daytime stars celebrate iconic Y&R star Melody Thomas Scott's 40th anniversary

The Young and the Restless' Melody Thomas Scott received a spectacular outpouring of adoration from her costars in celebration of her 40th anniversary. Here are some of the heartwarming highlights.

Melody Thomas Scott has reached the incredible milestone of portraying The Young and the Restless' Nikki Newman for a full four decades. The CBS soap opera honored the actress with a special episode dedicated to her beloved character, as well as an on-set celebration this Wednesday. But she also received tremendous amounts of love and attention from her Y&R costars and daytime contemporaries.

The social media messages celebrating Scott, who has made an indelible mark on the genre and has become a bona fide soap opera icon in her 40 years as Nikki, came from far and wide. And it's clear to see from the passionate outpouring of adoration that the actress has deeply affected everyone with her talent, kind spirit, and heart.

Check out some of the moving messages below, some of which include behind-the-scenes glimpses into Scott's on-set anniversary celebration, and don't forget to share your own congratulatory message for the actress in the comments section below.

Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)"Through trials and tribulations, our love has endured, our bonds have become even stronger! It's an honor to have shared the screen with you for so long!"

Gina Tognoni (Phyllis Summers)"This incredible beauty filled the sound stages today with family, friends, and co-workers. It's a testimony to her heart and to her incredible talent. Happy 40th anniversary."

Lauralee Bell (Christine Williams)"Such a special day celebrating Melody Thomas Scott's 40th! A room filled with so much love and respect!! Just Incredible!"

Bryton James (Devon Hamilton)"Congratulations Melody Thomas Scott on 40 years of bringing Nikki Newman to life!! And thank you for being such an amazing teacher and example to me from the beginning. All my love!"

CBS Daytime"We've loved her from day one, followed her [through] love and loss and hope and heartbreak and triumph! And 40 years later, we're always always rooting for Nikki Newman! Congratulations Melody Thomas Scott! Thanks for the wonderful memories! Cheers to 40!"

Jessica Collins (ex-Avery Bailey Clark)"Wow!!! Congratulations and thank you to the beautiful Melody Thomas Scott for giving us 40 magical years of Nikki Newman! #Queen"

Jason Canela (Arturo Rosales)"40 years!!! This woman truly is an inspiration. Thank you Melody Thomas Scott for being so special and welcoming me to The Young and the Restless family with open arms since day one! Nothing but love for you girl."

Doug Davidson (Paul Williams)"I am told there are some hysterical scenes from the past from two 40 year veterans in tomorrow's Y&R episode honoring Melody Thomas Scott! I, for one, will be tuning in! Where did the time go??!! Hats off to a daytime legend!!"

Christian LeBlanc (Michael Baldwin)"These beauties!!! HAPPY 40th anniversary!"

Jackie Zeman (Bobbie Spencer, General Hospital)"Celebrating Mel's 40 years as Nikki today with Melody Thomas Scott on set at Y&R. Mel, may you continue to shine as the star that you are. Much love and admiration beautiful Lady. xoxo"

Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke Logan, The Bold and the Beautiful)"I love this! So awesome! Congrats on 40 years!"

Linsey Godfrey (ex-Caroline Spencer, B&B; Sarah Horton, Days of our Lives)"I mean I love this soooo much!! Congratulations Melody Thomas Scott!!!"

Kate Linder (Esther Valentine)"So enjoyed celebrating Melody Thomas Scott's 40th anniversary at Y&R. Congratulations, Mel!"

The Bold and the Beautiful"[B&B executive producer] Brad Bell, the Bell family and everyone at The Bold and the Beautiful congratulates Melody Thomas Scott on 40 years of sublime performances as Nikki Newman on Y&R."

Michelle Stafford (ex-Phyllis Summers, Y&R; Nina Clay, GH)"Congratulations Mel!! You are spectacular."

Would you like leave your own congratulatory message for Melody Thomas Scott? What are your favorite memories from her 40 years as Nikki Newman? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.