In an announcement that's sure to delight "Grey's Anatomy" fans, "Good Morning America" has confirmed that one of the medical drama's original stars, Kate Burton, is returning in season 18.
Burton played Dr. Ellis Grey, the domineering and intimidating mother of Ellen Pompeo's Meredith Grey, who lost her battle with Alzheimer's during season 3. Following Ellis' death, she regularly appeared in Meredith's flashbacks and dream sequences.
MORE: How Ellen Pompeo's husband felt about intimate 'Grey's Anatomy' scenes with Patrick DempseyThe actress, who earned two Emmy nominations for her work on "Grey's," most recently appearing in an episode during season 15 and has appeared in a total of 23 episodes thus far.
It is unknown what purpose Burton will serve in the upcoming season, but she will appear in multiple episodes.
MORE: 'Grey's Anatomy' renewed for season 18, spinoff 'Station 19' returning for season 5Pompeo's Meredith was haunted by several familiar faces of deceased loved ones -- including Patrick Dempsey's Dr. Derek Shepherd, T.R. Knight's Dr. George O'Malley and Chyler Leigh's Dr. Lexi Grey -- last season during her battle with COVID-19.
Filming for "Grey's Anatomy" season 18 is currently underway, with a premiere set for Sept. 30 on ABC.