BRAVO AND FAREWELL

‘Real Housewives of New York City’s’ Oldest Member Announces Exit

She had only done two seasons.

The Real Housewives of New York City cast member Jenna Lyons announced Friday that she is leaving the show. “The rumors... Are true,” Lyons, 57, wrote on Instagram, before explaining her decision to exit the reality show after two seasons. “I was grateful to be asked to join season 16 of RHONY ‘as a friend of’—knowing my personal life was not really available to be filmed, we agreed that made sense. And after thinking it through I have made the difficult decision not return to the show. I would be the oldest and only openly gay woman on the show and feel like this is an opportunity for a new dynamic to emerge.” Lyons, a former J.Crew president, added that she has “so much respect and gratitude to the Entire BRAVO team who produced the show with grace and care.” Among those she thanked were executive producer and host Andy Cohen, as well as “all the fans who have said hi on the street, asked for a photo, supported me here on instagram THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU !!!!” The Bravo series, which premiered in 2008, is expected to reach its 300th episode this season.