Culture August 22, 2019

Bethenny Frankel says she's leaving Bravo's 'Real Housewives of New York' in lengthy Instagram post

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By George Costantino & Kelly McCarthy

Bethenny Frankel, a staple of Bravo's "Real Housewives of New York" for eight of its 11 seasons, is once again leaving the show.

Frankel made the announcement Wednesday in a lengthy Instagram post.

"I am so grateful to you for sticking with me through everything," Frankel wrote. "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. I had big dreams and I never stopped, but I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get here."

Frankel, now 48, finished by saying, "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."

Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, FILE
Bethenny Frankel during the "Reunion" for "The Real Housewives of New York City."
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Frankel first burst on to the scene in 2005 with a stint on "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart." She joined RHONY in 2007 before leaving the show in 2010 after three seasons.

Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images, FILE
Sonja Morgan, Dorinda Medley, Bethenny Frankel, Andy Cohen, Luann de Lesseps, Tinsley Mortimer and Ramona Singer during the "Reunion" for "The Real Housewives of New York City."

After starring in a series of RHONY spin-offs, including "Bethenny Getting Married?", "Bethenny Ever After" and "Bethenny and Fredrik," Frankel hosted the short-lived talk show, "Bethenny," and launched the line of Skinnygirl cocktails. Frankel returned to RHONY in 2014.

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