I. AM. DEVASTATED.
Ahead of its upcoming 12th season, Bethenny Frankel, 48, has quit the Real Housewives of New York. The Skinny Girl founder and philanthropist announced the news this morning, revealing she plans to focus on her daughter and her production partnership.
WATCH: Bethenny opens up about the death of her fiance during last season of RHONY
“I have decided to leave the ‘Housewives’ franchise to explore my next chapter,” the Bravo reality TV star said in a 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.”
Bethenny— who’s starred in the series from 2008-2012 then rejoined during its seventh season in 2015-2019—has no doubt been one of the most revered characters on the hit reality show.
Never one to shy away from showing the highs and lows of her hectic life, last season, she not only revealed the painful toll her ugly divorce had on her mental health but allowed the cameras to chart her grieving process as she moved on from the death of her fiance, Dennis Shields.
Following news of her exit, Bethenny’s frenemy and RHONY co-star Ramona Singer said she “respects the fact that Bethenny has decided to go on with other endeavours.”
“Bethenny found love in her life, and it’s so fantastic that she’ll be taking the time to grow that relationship away from the cameras and to explore other business opportunities,” Romanon, 62, told PEOPLE.
“I’m only disappointed that Bethenny did not inform her costars that she’s not coming back to the show,” she added. “When she left in season four, we found out through the press she was doing her spinoff, Bethenny Getting Married. She was upset we never congratulated her, but we were upset she never told us! And that’s how we feel now. There is a camaraderie among us as a cast. Love us, hate us, not like us — we are a team. To hear this from the press and not through her is upsetting.“
We’ll miss you, Bethenny.
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