NeNe Leakes Leaving 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

— -- NeNe Leakes has announced she is leaving "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" after starring on the Bravo series for seven seasons.

In a statement from Leakes, the 47-year-old reality star said, "Being part of 'RHOA' has been a big part of my life but I’m excited for new the beginnings [sic] I am pursuing and embarking upon. Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and supported me over the years on this amazing platform."

"With lots of thought and prayer I’ve decided to step out on faith and not fear," she added.

Leakes posted a similar statement on Instagram, writing, "This is so hard for me to type! I cry as I do so!"

“We wish NeNe well after seven memorable seasons of the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta,'" a Bravo spokesperson said in a post on the cable network's website. "We will miss her bloop bloop's and her great one liners."

Andy Cohen, an executive producer of "The Real Housewives" franchise, tweeted, "We love @NeNeLeakes & she is always welcome back to the house she helped build! She's a Real Housewife forever!!"

"The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will return for its eighth season in the fall.