Bethenny Frankel Says She Will Not Return to The Real Housewives of New York City

Bethenny Frankel has confirmed her exit from The Real Housewives of New York City after Season 11 wrapped up earlier this summer.

Bethenny joined RHONY in the show’s first season back in 2008, and, boy, it’s been a wild ride in all the seasons since. 

Since meeting Bethenny in Season 1, who at the time was still a single, up-and-coming businesswoman and chef, she has become a multi-hyphenate in the business world, using her career as a mogul to become a devoted philanthropist. Also, since Bethenny popped up on the scene over a decade ago, she has become a mom to her 9-year-old daughter, Bryn, who she credits as the person who has taught her about what true love is: "The day you were born was the greatest moment of my life and everyday you continue to amaze me. I’m so lucky because I get to be your mom."

This isn’t the first time she stepped away from the show, as she eventually exited after Season 3 — and then returned again several seasons later in Season 7. She always shared with fans her many personal, romantic, and professional high and lows, including her ups and downs with the equally-fierce women who make up the RHONY friend group.

In the wake of the news, Bethenny opened up about her time on RHONY in a lengthy and emotional post on Instagram, which also paid homage to her sassy tagline from Seasons 1, 2, and 3: "New York City is my playground."

On Instagram, she wrote: “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.”

She added, “I had big dreams and I never stopped, but I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get here.” 

From there, she thanked her fans for going on the journey with her: “You helped me to get here. 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. You have shared your ideas with me and I have been inspired by and learned from you.”

She continued, “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.”

She ended the note with the following message, “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.”

Check out more of Bethenny through the years, below.