PHOTOSBethenny Frankel Announces She's Leaving 'Real Housewives of New York City'
Aug. 22 2019, Updated 2:57 p.m. ET
Bethenny Frankel announced she's leaving Real Housewives of New York City ahead of season 12 on Wednesday, August 21.
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Bethenny, 48, joined the hit Bravo show before its premiere in 2008. She left in 2010 during the show's third season and returned in 2015.
"I have decided to leave the Housewives franchise to explore my next chapter. 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," Bethenny confirmed in a statement to Variety.
She continued, "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."
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Bethenny has a lot on her plate with her SkinnyGirl lifestyle brand, B Strong charity, and her new production deal.
Her personal life is just as hectic. She is engaged in an ongoing nasty custody battle with ex-husband Jason Hoppy and she lost her beloved ex Dennis Shields to an overdose in August 2018.
RHONY is getting a big shake up. Bethenny's costar Barbara Kavovit also recently confirmed she was leaving the show, while Luann de Lesseps revealed that producers had already cast someone new for next season.
Are you shocked Bethenny is leaving RHONY? Sound off in the comments below!
