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We hate to be sharing this, but Bethenny Frankel is set to leave The Real Housewives of New York City, ahead of its upcoming 12th season, according to a statement she gave to HollywoodLife‘s sister site Variety. “I have decided to leave the ‘Housewives’ franchise to explore my next chapter,” Frankel said in her statement. “It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women. With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power that women have. My experience at Bravo has been an incredibly magical ride. I am so grateful to them for highlighting my entrepreneurialism and allowing me to pave the way for many women to achieve their goals. I am excited for my future. The best is yet to come.”
She later followed up that statement with another one on Instagram, saying, “I wanted to take a moment to write a personal note to you. I am so grateful to you for sticking with me through everything. You started this journey with me in my tiny apartment in my late 30s, wondering what would happen to me. I was broke, single, had no family and no idea what the future held. I had big dreams and I never stopped, but I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get here. You helped me to get there. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles. You would give me your honest opinion about my products and projects and helpful advice about divorce, relationships, motherhood, miscarriages, health, and surviving the death of a loved one and almost my own.”
She continued, “You have shared your ideas with me and I have been inspired by and learned from you. I am fortunate to have created a business and career that some people only dream of. I had a beautiful baby girl who is now 9 years old, and she has changed me as a human being. I was able to give back and help people all over the world who have been hit with the worst of unforeseen circumstances, which we will all continue together. GO for it. Whatever it is. Reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen. Come from a place of yes and it’s yours for the taking. Thank you so much for your love and support. And stay tuned, you haven’t seen the last of me. There are many amazing things to come. I love you all and am so lucky to have you in my life! PS: New York City is still my playground.♥️xo♥️B”.
This will be Bethenny’s second exit from the franchise, following a previous absence between seasons 4 and 6. Bethenny first joined the show when it premiered in 2008. She later left at the end of the third season, in 2010, when she was given a spinoff series, titled Bethenny Ever After. She later returned to the show for the seventh season in 2015 and has been with it ever since. She’s also made guest appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and starred in another spinoff show, Bethenny & Fredrik.
RHONY‘s remaining cast members include Tinsley Mortimer, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, and Luann de Lesseps.
HollywoodLife has reached out to Bravo for comment.