Why Dorinda Medley Decided To Exit 'Real Housewives Of New York'

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Ready for a new chapter. Dorinda Medley is focusing on the future after announcing her departure from Real Housewives of New York City.

Related: Andy Cohen, Bethenny, Ramona and More Weigh in on Dorinda’s ‘RHONY’ Exit

Dorinda Medley made it nice — and her former costars will never forget it. Bethenny Frankel, Ramona Singer and Leah McSweeney took to Instagram to react to the news of Dorinda’s departure from The Real Housewives of New York City on Tuesday, August 25. The 55-year-old reality TV personality announced she would not be back […]

The Bravo personality, 55, confirmed via social media on Tuesday, August 25, that she was leaving the reality series after six seasons. While fans were shocked by the news, a source tells Us Weekly exclusively that the decision was a long time coming.

Why Did Dorinda Medley Decide Leave RHONY — Dorinda Medley. Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com

“Dorinda had a meeting with Bravo where they talked about possible shakeups in the cast, how Dorinda was feeling after this very hard season for her and they both agreed it would be best for her to step down,” the insider tells Us. “Friends around Dorinda are hoping she takes time to focus on herself and making herself happy in this next chapter of her life.”

After an emotional season on RHONY, Medley told her fans that “all things must come to an end.” The Massachusetts native made her first appearance on the fourth season of the show, which aired in 2011, and was later made a permanent cast member four years later.

Related: Shocking Reality TV Exits

Stassi Schroeder, Lauren Conrad and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi are among the reality stars who left their shows in surprising fashion. Schroeder, for one, was fired from Vanderpump Rules after eight seasons alongside costar/frenemy Kristen Doute. Bravo confirmed their departures in June 2020 after their past racially insensitive actions toward former castmate Faith Stowers resurfaced. “It is important […]

“What a journey this has been. I have laughed and cried and tried to Make it Nice,” she wrote in a statement confirming her exit on Tuesday. “This was a great outlet for me to heal when my late husband Richard passed away. I have met so many interesting people and learned so much about myself, about life and about women along the way. Thank you to Bravo and NBC for the incredible ride and to my cast mates for constant stimulation and entertainment. I wish you all health, happiness and success.”

Though the show provided her a platform to express herself after the loss of her husband in November 2011, stepping down from the cast will let her put even more of her energy into healing. “Dorinda truly feels this is the next big step to getting over Richard and being her own woman,” the source adds.

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Loyal Bravo viewers weren’t the only ones shocked by the major cast shakeup, as some of the network’s biggest names took to social media to share their love for Medley and applaud her impact on RHONY.

Related: Former ‘RHONY’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

The Real Housewives of New York City premiered in 2008, but not every Housewife has gone the distance. The season 1 cast of RHONY included Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin and Alex McCord. While Kelly Killoren Bensimon joined the cast during season 2, Sonja Morgan became a full-time cast member during […]

“Every woman in this world wears a little sparkle, some in their dress, and some in their eyes,” Bethenny Frankel, who left the series after season 11, wrote via Instagram. “Use each moment to make another’s eyes sparkle and to warm a heart. Don’t let anyone or anything dull your sparkle. Don’t let the insecurities of others dull your sparkle. You will be missed … let the next chapter begin. #RHONY.”

Andy Cohen, for his part, kept his tribute short and sweet. “What a ride. Unforgettable,” he commented on Medley’s announcement.

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