‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Cast, Andy Cohen and More React to Bethenny Frankel’s Exit

Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo

‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Cast, Andy Cohen and More React to Bethenny Frankel’s Exit

Wow, Bethenny, wow! Dorinda Medley, Tinsley Mortimer, Andy Cohen and more were rocked by the news that Bethenny Frankel will not be returning to The Real Housewives of New York City for season 12. The Skinnygirl CEO announced her exit in a statement on Wednesday, August 21. “I have decided to leave the Housewives franchise to explore my next chapter,” Bethenny said in a statement to Us Weekly. “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.” She concluded: “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.” [jwplayer z4xkbQrP-l3ahXupL] Bethenny starred on RHONY for the first three seasons before leaving to film her spinoff series, Bethenny Ever After, with her now ex-husband Jason Hoppy. Following their split, she returned to RHONY in a full-time role for season 7 in 2015. After news of her departure broke, Bethenny shared a lengthy message to fans via Instagram. “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 wrote on Wednesday. “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 here. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles.” Bethenny then urged her followers to “reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen." “Thank you so much for your love and support,” she added. “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.” Bravo stars were quick to comment on Bethenny’s emotional post. Scroll through to see their reactions:

Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo

‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Cast, Andy Cohen and More React to Bethenny Frankel’s Exit

Wow, Bethenny, wow! Dorinda Medley, Tinsley Mortimer, Andy Cohen and more were rocked by the news that Bethenny Frankel will not be returning to The Real Housewives of New York City for season 12. The Skinnygirl CEO announced her exit in a statement on Wednesday, August 21. “I have decided to leave the Housewives franchise to explore my next chapter,” Bethenny said in a statement to Us Weekly. “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.” She concluded: “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.” [jwplayer z4xkbQrP-l3ahXupL] Bethenny starred on RHONY for the first three seasons before leaving to film her spinoff series, Bethenny Ever After, with her now ex-husband Jason Hoppy. Following their split, she returned to RHONY in a full-time role for season 7 in 2015. After news of her departure broke, Bethenny shared a lengthy message to fans via Instagram. “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 wrote on Wednesday. “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 here. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles.” Bethenny then urged her followers to “reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen." “Thank you so much for your love and support,” she added. “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.” Bravo stars were quick to comment on Bethenny’s emotional post. Scroll through to see their reactions:

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Sonja Morgan

“Never can say goodbye. This is just a page in time,” Bethenny’s former costar wrote alongside a series of throwback photos via Instagram. “I’m happy that all the best is yet to come for my friend B. Best Mom to Bryn, Biggy, Smallz & entrepreneur as she continues to empower others. 💞 #BeStrong.”

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Luann de Lesseps

“Its always sad to see a member of the housewives family go, especially a fellow OG,” Luann captioned a photo of herself and Bethenny with actress Jennifer Lawrence at Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen via Instagram. “@bethennyfrankel and I have certainly had our ups and downs, I choose to remember the ups. Wishing her nothing but the best in her next chapter 😘”

Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo

Dorinda Medley

“Happy for you sad for the group x,” Dorinda, who joined the cast the same season that Bethenny returned, wrote. 

Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo

Tinsley Mortimer

“😘😘😘,” Tinsley commented.

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Barbara Kavovit

"You excel at everything — excited to see your next move!" Barbara, who appeared as a "friend" during season 11, wrote. Earlier this month, Barbara also confirmed she would not return for season 12.

Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo)

Andy Cohen

The producer was clearly upset by Bethenny’s exit, commenting a crying face emoji. 

Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo

Kyle Richards

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has been close with Bethenny for decades. She sent her love through a red heart emoji. 

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Gretchen Rossi

“Beautifully said ❤️,” the Real Housewives of Orange County alum wrote. “Wishing you continued success my friend 🙏🏻” 

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Stephanie Hollman

“❤️❤️❤️,” the Real Housewives of Dallas star replied.  

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Margaret Josephs

“Devastated for us and thrilled for you!!!” the Real Housewives of New Jersey wrote. “You are the original #bossbabe @bethennyfrankel there will never be another 💕💕💕💕💋💋💋👧🏼” 

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Fredrik Eklund

The businesswoman’s former Bethenny & Fredrik costar was surprised by the news, simply commenting, “Wow.”