Gone too soon, but never forgotten – these are the Housewives who took a piece of us with them when they left the show.

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1 / 20
Kenya Moore quits The Real Housewives of Atlanta
After 6 seasons of RHOA, Kenya Moore has decided to hang up her peach. Kenya, who's currently pregnant with her first child, joined RHOA back in season 5 and has been responsible for some unforgettable TV moments. “I have decided to take this season off to focus on my high-risk pregnancy in a healthy and drama-free environment." The 47 year old star said in a statement to Us Weekly. "I thank Bravo for this amazing platform that has allowed me to grow, flourish and appreciate the value of what is truly important in life.”

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2 / 20
Carole Radziwill quits The Real Housewives of New York
After six memorable seasons on The Real Housewives of New York, 54-year-old Carole Radziwill will not be returning for another season.
"I have decided to return to what I do best — journalism and producing,” Radziwill told The Daily Dish.
In her official statement, Carole explained that her "original curiosity about reality television has waned over the years" and that her new endeavours are better suited for her "more steady temperament."
"I have worked with amazing producers, made great friends, and I’m thrilled to leave frenemies behind," Carole revealed. "I will remember this entire experience with delight, humor, and a veracious accuracy. Next."
"I have decided to return to what I do best — journalism and producing,” Radziwill told The Daily Dish.
In her official statement, Carole explained that her "original curiosity about reality television has waned over the years" and that her new endeavours are better suited for her "more steady temperament."
"I have worked with amazing producers, made great friends, and I’m thrilled to leave frenemies behind," Carole revealed. "I will remember this entire experience with delight, humor, and a veracious accuracy. Next."

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3 / 20
Sheree Whitfield quits The Real Housewives of Atlanta
Sheree just confirmed what fans have been speculating for months – she won't be holding a peach when RHOA returns for season 11.
During a Q&A on her Instagram, Sheree wrote that she was "currently living [her] best life" and that she "was not interested in entertaining a low ball offer that was sent."
It looks like Sheree might have been offered a demotion to "friend of the Housewives," and that didn't sit right with the Atlanta OG. Sheree previously left the series after starring in the first four seasons, then returned as a "friend of" in season 8 before eventually becoming a full-time Housewife for seasons 9 and 10.
During a Q&A on her Instagram, Sheree wrote that she was "currently living [her] best life" and that she "was not interested in entertaining a low ball offer that was sent."
It looks like Sheree might have been offered a demotion to "friend of the Housewives," and that didn't sit right with the Atlanta OG. Sheree previously left the series after starring in the first four seasons, then returned as a "friend of" in season 8 before eventually becoming a full-time Housewife for seasons 9 and 10.

Slice
4 / 20
Kim Zolciak-Biermann quits The Real Housewives of Atlanta?
Everyone was excited to hear that Kim would be returning for RHOA's landmark 10th season. While we could have guessed that Kim would bring some drama, no one could have predicted how nasty things would get between Kim and NeNe. When Kim sent out a video that her daughter, Brielle, took in NeNe's bathroom showing off a bug, it was the start of "roachgate" and the end of Kim's relationship with many of the Atlanta Housewives.
The pressure from Kim's fallout with the other wives seems to have been too much for her to handle. While no official decisions have been made by the series, paparazzi recently asked Kim if she'd return to RHOA, and her answer left no room for interpretation: "No! Never. Never. It's too much stress."
Andy Cohen even weighed in on Kim's fate on RHOA saying, "I would be surprised if Kim came back because she left the reunion very unhappy... I don't think this was a fun experience for her and so I would be really surprised if she came back."
The pressure from Kim's fallout with the other wives seems to have been too much for her to handle. While no official decisions have been made by the series, paparazzi recently asked Kim if she'd return to RHOA, and her answer left no room for interpretation: "No! Never. Never. It's too much stress."
Andy Cohen even weighed in on Kim's fate on RHOA saying, "I would be surprised if Kim came back because she left the reunion very unhappy... I don't think this was a fun experience for her and so I would be really surprised if she came back."

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5 / 20
Peggy Sulahian quits The Real Housewives of Orange County
Peggy is the third RHOC star to say "no thanks" to season 13. Like Meghan King Edmonds and Lydia McLaughlin before her, Peggy released a statement on her social media to announce that she's chosen not to return.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and spread awareness of breast cancer. Dealing with the disease and the passing of my father challenged me to reassess and reflect on my life" Peggy wrote on Instagram. "At this point, moving on seemed like the right thing to do"
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and spread awareness of breast cancer. Dealing with the disease and the passing of my father challenged me to reassess and reflect on my life" Peggy wrote on Instagram. "At this point, moving on seemed like the right thing to do"

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6 / 20
Lydia McLaughlin quits The Real Housewives of Orange County
Lydia first joined RHOC in season 8, then decided not to come back for the following season. It wasn't until season 12 that Lydia made her grand return.
“RHOC has given me a great platform and I’m grateful for that. However, I feel like I can only handle this show one season at a time,” Lydia wrote on her personal blog. “I need a break! There is a lot of good that comes from the show, but also a lot of negativity. After a family vote, it was unanimous that I should take a break."
“RHOC has given me a great platform and I’m grateful for that. However, I feel like I can only handle this show one season at a time,” Lydia wrote on her personal blog. “I need a break! There is a lot of good that comes from the show, but also a lot of negativity. After a family vote, it was unanimous that I should take a break."

Slice
7 / 20
Meghan King Edmonds quits The Real Housewives of Orange County
After three seasons on The Real Housewives of Orange County, the OC's resident detective has decided to call it quits.
Meghan took to her site to post a lengthy blog outlining the ups and downs of filming a show like RHOC.
"I arrived at this multi-faceted decision after much thought...as you might suspect filming this show takes a massive emotional toll" she wrote, "But what you might not suspect is the physical toll: filming is grueling!"
It's surprising Meghan is leaving considering how interesting her story would be now that she has twins on the way, but it makes sense that it's what she needs to do in order to live a stress-free life. The star intends to dedicate her newfound free time to motherhood and her various businesses with husband Jimmy Edmonds.
Related: Real Housewives couples with surprising age gaps
Meghan took to her site to post a lengthy blog outlining the ups and downs of filming a show like RHOC.
"I arrived at this multi-faceted decision after much thought...as you might suspect filming this show takes a massive emotional toll" she wrote, "But what you might not suspect is the physical toll: filming is grueling!"
It's surprising Meghan is leaving considering how interesting her story would be now that she has twins on the way, but it makes sense that it's what she needs to do in order to live a stress-free life. The star intends to dedicate her newfound free time to motherhood and her various businesses with husband Jimmy Edmonds.
Related: Real Housewives couples with surprising age gaps

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8 / 20
Siggy Flicker
After two seasons on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Siggy has decided to call it quits.
Siggy's feud with fellow castmate Margaret Josephs was a central storyline in her final season, and some would argue that after a season of butting heads, Siggy didn't come out on top.
When asked about her exit, Siggy told Us Weekly, “looking back at the show I truly wanted to make a difference for Jersey and in Jersey and I realized that I had too many obstacles working against me and I couldn’t do it."
Related: Ranking the Real Housewives by net worth
Siggy's feud with fellow castmate Margaret Josephs was a central storyline in her final season, and some would argue that after a season of butting heads, Siggy didn't come out on top.
When asked about her exit, Siggy told Us Weekly, “looking back at the show I truly wanted to make a difference for Jersey and in Jersey and I realized that I had too many obstacles working against me and I couldn’t do it."
Related: Ranking the Real Housewives by net worth

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9 / 20
Eileen Davidson
After joining RHOBH in season 5, the award-winning soap star became a fan-favourite for her levelheaded approach to the series. After three seasons of drama, Eileen shocked us all when she revealed she'll be leaving the show for one simple reason — she's just too busy.
Eileen broke the news on Instagram with the caption: "After a lot of thought, because of my crazy scheds at YR and Dool, I've decided it's best for me and my fam to step away from being a housewife for now. But ya never know! I might be popping in to see what the ladies are up to from time to time!"
Related: Surprising celebs the Real Housewives have dated
Eileen broke the news on Instagram with the caption: "After a lot of thought, because of my crazy scheds at YR and Dool, I've decided it's best for me and my fam to step away from being a housewife for now. But ya never know! I might be popping in to see what the ladies are up to from time to time!"
Related: Surprising celebs the Real Housewives have dated

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10 / 20
Phaedra Parks
After a season full of damaging lies, Phaedra was unceremoniously given the boot.
Andy Cohen even weighed in on the situation, saying that "none of the other women wanted to have anything to do with her."
The cold shoulder from her fellow Housewives isn't surprising considering she was exposed for concocting a story about Kandi and Todd and their alleged plans to date-rape Porsha Williams.
The real shocker here isn't that Phaedra was let go, but that she created such a damaging story in the first place.
Related: The most hated husbands of the Real Housewives
Andy Cohen even weighed in on the situation, saying that "none of the other women wanted to have anything to do with her."
The cold shoulder from her fellow Housewives isn't surprising considering she was exposed for concocting a story about Kandi and Todd and their alleged plans to date-rape Porsha Williams.
The real shocker here isn't that Phaedra was let go, but that she created such a damaging story in the first place.
Related: The most hated husbands of the Real Housewives

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11 / 20
Heather Dubrow
As the latest RHOC Housewife to walk away from the show, this is a tough one for fans to swallow.
After 5 seasons, Heather released an official statement saying 'I have some really cool, interesting opportunities that I want to explore. I don’t know where they’re going to go, but I want the opportunity to explore them.'
Also - let's not forget that it was her husband, Terry Dubrow, who begged Heather to do the show, then forged her signature and submitted her contract. Now that he's a star in his own right, this move makes sense for Heather.
Related: What Heather Dubrow has been up to since leaving RHOC
After 5 seasons, Heather released an official statement saying 'I have some really cool, interesting opportunities that I want to explore. I don’t know where they’re going to go, but I want the opportunity to explore them.'
Also - let's not forget that it was her husband, Terry Dubrow, who begged Heather to do the show, then forged her signature and submitted her contract. Now that he's a star in his own right, this move makes sense for Heather.
Related: What Heather Dubrow has been up to since leaving RHOC

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12 / 20
Adrienne Maloof
Adrienne is the only housewife who was publicly fired (when she skipped out on the season 3 reunion).
In her final season she issued a Cease & Desist to Brandi, and ended her friendship with Lisa Vanderpump.
Shortly after the cameras stopped rolling, Andrienne's relationship with Paul Nassif fell apart, and quickly ended in divorce.
Related: Then & now: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
In her final season she issued a Cease & Desist to Brandi, and ended her friendship with Lisa Vanderpump.
Shortly after the cameras stopped rolling, Andrienne's relationship with Paul Nassif fell apart, and quickly ended in divorce.
Related: Then & now: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

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13 / 20
Bethenny Frankel
Okay she might be back now, but she took our hearts with her when she refused to return for season 4.
After a nightmare season including fights with Kelly Killoren Bensimon (Scary Island, anyone?) and BFF-turned-enemy Jill Zarin, it's safe to say the show left Bethenny drained.
But the departure of her enemies, and a $1.5 million dollar payday, were enough incentive for Bethenny to return to the show that made her a household name.
Related: The nastiest divorces in Real Housewives history
After a nightmare season including fights with Kelly Killoren Bensimon (Scary Island, anyone?) and BFF-turned-enemy Jill Zarin, it's safe to say the show left Bethenny drained.
But the departure of her enemies, and a $1.5 million dollar payday, were enough incentive for Bethenny to return to the show that made her a household name.
Related: The nastiest divorces in Real Housewives history

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14 / 20
Brandi Glanville
Did she walk away? Was she fired? If you ask Brandi, her story seems to change every month.
After throwing wine at Eileen and slapping Lisa Vanderpump in the face, her cast mates must be relieved she's not on the show, but her departure is still shocking considering the drama she brought to the table.
Related: The Biggest Cheating Scandals to Rock the Real Housewives
After throwing wine at Eileen and slapping Lisa Vanderpump in the face, her cast mates must be relieved she's not on the show, but her departure is still shocking considering the drama she brought to the table.
Related: The Biggest Cheating Scandals to Rock the Real Housewives

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15 / 20
Danielle Staub
As the focus of one of the most iconic Housewives scenes of all time ('PROSTITUTION WHORE!!!'), Danielle was vital in making her two seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey a hit.
Though her exit might have made a dramatic exit, Danielle eventually shocked us all by striking a friendship with Teresa and returning to RHONJ.
Though her exit might have made a dramatic exit, Danielle eventually shocked us all by striking a friendship with Teresa and returning to RHONJ.

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16 / 20
Camille Grammer
Rumour has it that Camille was asked to return as a 'friend of the Housewives' in the show's third season. This reduced role didn't bode well with the former dancer/model, so she decided to quit the show entirely.
Luckily, fans can still see Camille pop in from time to time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Luckily, fans can still see Camille pop in from time to time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

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17 / 20
Gretchen Rossi
In her four-year tenure, Gretchen became one of the most recognizable faces on The Real Housewives of Orange County.
There have been rumours circulating for years that producers have been trying to get Gretchen to return.
Gretchen's response to being asked to return? 'They'd have to pay me a lot of money!'
There have been rumours circulating for years that producers have been trying to get Gretchen to return.
Gretchen's response to being asked to return? 'They'd have to pay me a lot of money!'

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18 / 20
Jill Zarin
A major cast restructuring led to several ladies being let go from The Real Housewives of New York City at the end of season 4.
One of the most shocking firings was no doubt Jill Zarin. Since her departure, we've heard she's tried several times to get herself back on the main cast, even going so far as having her team present a PowerPoint to Andy Cohen as to why she deserves to be holding an apple. Good luck with that one, Jill.
One of the most shocking firings was no doubt Jill Zarin. Since her departure, we've heard she's tried several times to get herself back on the main cast, even going so far as having her team present a PowerPoint to Andy Cohen as to why she deserves to be holding an apple. Good luck with that one, Jill.

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19 / 20
Nene Leakes
Nene was once the highest-paid cast member, but she walked away from the franchise in season 9. She reportedly turned down a deal worth $2.5 million dollars, telling producers that her businesses are keeping her too busy to return to reality TV.
The 50-year-old star eventually made a Bethenny-style grand comeback for season 10 of RHOA, and it's clear that she came to play and bring the drama.
The 50-year-old star eventually made a Bethenny-style grand comeback for season 10 of RHOA, and it's clear that she came to play and bring the drama.

20 / 20
Yolanda
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