Randy Jackson Leaving 'American Idol' After 13 Seasons

— -- At the end of season 12, we saw Randy Jackson step down as a judge on 'American Idol.' Now he's officially leaving the show for good.

Jackson, 58, had stayed on for season 13 of 'Idol' as a mentor, but now the music icon feels it's the right time to leave the program in his past.

"After 13 seasons, I felt now was the perfect time to leave 'American Idol,'" Jackson told People magazine in a statement. "I'm proud to have been a part of a series that discovered some incredible artists and will go down in history as one of the most successful television shows ever. A true original, Idol started it all. Onto what's next.”

Fox, the network that airs 'Idol,' will obviously miss the show's founder, but wishes him nothing but the best.

"Randy has been such an integral part of 'American Idol' since day one, both as a judge and as a mentor. He's provided great advice and support, shaping the success of so many Idols we have discovered over the years," Fox added to People. "We wish him all the best in his next chapter. Randy will always be part of our Idol family and we hope he'll visit from time to time."

Season 14 of 'Idol' is set for this January.