Cynthia Bailey Addresses NeNe's #RHOA Exit

Last week, NeNe Leakes announced she will not return to the Real Housewives of Atlanta for the show's upcoming eighth season. While it was a decision that may have shocked many longtime, diehard RHOA fans, Cynthia Bailey had a feeling this day would eventually come. "You know, I wasn't super surprised because I used to be very close with NeNe so I knew that at some point, she wanted to do other things and rightfully so because I think she has had a great run on the show," she told E! News. "In my opinion, she will always be the original Atlanta Housewife and I wish her well."

Cynthia revealed she's been in touch with NeNe since the announcement. "We text back and forth… When I heard the news about her leaving the show, I shot her a text and said good luck to you," she continued. "May you continue to shine. Do your thing so we are cool."

And for those wondering what RHOA might be like without NeNe, Cynthia stressed the importance of the ensemble cast. "The show has never been about one person. It's just not what makes it work," she said. "Sometimes you gotta change it up and mix it up. I look forward to a really great drama-filled season."

Cynthia also chatted about NeNe's departure to Essence, emphasizing her impact on the series. “She will always be the original Atlanta housewife, she started this platform. If there was no NeNe there would be no Cynthia, there would be no Kenya, there’d be no anyone on this show,” she explained.