The longtime Bravo star, who initially joined the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast back in 2014, has officially confirmed her exit from the beloved franchise. In a statement made to People, the 59-year-old reality star said, “This is the longest job I have held in my 35-year career and I am grateful to everyone at Bravo and all those involved in the series.” “It has been a fun eight-year run and I am excited for what is to come,” she added in the statement published by the outlet on Thursday, Jan. 5. Rinna’s contract reportedly expired at the end of last season, prompting her and the network to mutually decide that she will not return to RHOBH. The Days of Our Lives alum has been part of the show since Season 5 and has become one of the most iconic cast members to grace the show, among some of her other notable co-stars, who include Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Kathy Hilton, and more. Rinna made waves during her debut season on the Bravo series, mostly over her infamous argument with then-costar Kim Richards, who caused her to smash a wine glass in Richards’ direction after making an insinuation about Rinna’s husband, Harry Hamlin. Rinna has since had beef with other RHOBH cast members, including Yolanda Hadid, Denise Richards and Sutton Stracke, to name a few, but she hasn’t been shy to show accountability for her actions, as she has even become known for her famous catchphrase, “Own it, baby.” In the show’s most recent season, Rinna lost her mother, Lois Rinna, shortly after production began, making Season 12 a particularly difficult one for her. She criticized the show for not memorializing her mom properly, writing on her Instagram Story at the time, “Lois deserved and deserves much more. Shame on everyone,” per People. But her exit likely isn’t a major surprise to many RHOBH fans, as Rinna has been dropping hints about a possible departure for some time now. While it’s not clear what Rinna has planned for the future (aside from her recent release of sparkling wines), we know she will own whatever she chooses to do next!
