Fan Favorite NeNe Leakes Is Leaving ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’

One of the most memorable "Real Housewives" is saying goodbye to the hit Bravo series next season.

NeNe Leakes, the last remaining original member of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” told People magazine on Monday that she's leaving the reality show after seven seasons.

“I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders,” Leakes said to People.

She continued, “This was definitely a hard decision for me. Me and my husband [Gregg Leakes] 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.”

Leakes was known for causing drama on the hit reality series, and starting fights between her and the other housewives, including Kim Zolciak-Biermann, Kenya Moore and Phaedra Parks.

"I think some of the girls will be happy," Leakes said of her departure. "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 warned, "I'm not saying I'm gone forever… I'll probably pop up and play with those girls every now and then."

Leakes also hinted at a possible new gig, telling the magazine she's doing a primetime TV show with a “big legend.”

“All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tell all of those one-liners that I always have said on 'Housewives,'” Leakes said.

She also tweeted about the news late on Monday.