NeNe Leakes has set the record straight on casting rumors for Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta and let’s just say millions of fans didn’t see this coming.

WATCH: NeNe Leakes Wants Bravo ‘To Get Rid Of’ ‘Everybody Who Ain’t Married’ On ‘RHOA’

Leakes announced via Instagram Monday that she would no longer be on the hit series. She was the only cast member still on the show from the first season. While there have been lots of rumors regarding who would be returning and who will be fired, Leakes beat reports and announced the news herself.

She also sat down with People magazine and opened up about her decision.

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“This was definitely hard for me. Me and my husband have been going back and forth on it for weeks now. But my contract is up and I just think this is the right time. This is my opportunity to spread my wings and do different things.”

As for what’s next, it’s no secret we haven’t seen the last of Leakes.

“I’m actually going to be doing a new primetime television show with a big legend. All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tel all of those one liners that I have always said on ‘Housewives.’ I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders…I’m not saying I’m gone forever. I’ll probably pop up and play with those girls every now and then.”

The show’s executive producer Andy Cohen also tweeted this is not a final goodbye for Leakes.

Fans have seen Leakes’ major life moments on the show, so it will definitely be a different aura for the upcoming eighth season. From broken friendships with Kim Zolciak and Cynthia Bailey to a divorce and then remarriage to Gregg Leakes to her becoming a grandmother, or as she likes to call it “glam-ma.”

But while fans might not have expected the news, it’s not too shocking. She has said in several interviews that the show just hasn’t been the same since a group of new ladies (like Kenya Moore) joined the cast. She said it’s circulated around drama and negativity as new co-stars hope to become the queen bee of the show and be thrusted into fame.

She also told People, “There were times when I was a target. I won’t miss the negativity. I think some of the girls will be happy. They always felt like I was the star, and they were never able to really shine with me there, so here’s their opportunity to shine.”

She has also had several opportunities come because of her outgoing, hilarious and no-nonsense attitude. She had a recurring role on Fox’s Glee, starred in NBC’s The New Normal and just finished her first stint on Broadway as Cinderella’s stepmother.

Keep up with Enstars on more casting news for the series.

Tags: The Real Housewives of Atlanta Reality TV Bravo