Kelly Dodd and Braunwyn Windham-Burke Comment on Their RHOC Exits

“I’m incredibly sad to not be able to come back to The Real Housewives of Orange County next year. I loved every moment of being a Housewife and am so proud of my time on the show – the good, the bad, and the in-between,” Braunwyn told PEOPLE in a statement.

“It feels revolutionary to say, but I was able to get sober and stay sober on reality TV. That is something for which I will forever be grateful. And I came out, becoming the first gay Housewife in the franchise’s history. What an incredible honor to look back upon, especially during Pride Month,” she continued.

“I know I may have been too much for some, and that’s okay. I am real, and I am happy being me. I’m so grateful to those who have stood by me,” she added. “There is a lot more to my life, and I hope you’ll stick with me on this journey as I move forward in my next chapter.”

Kelly, on the other hand, posted a short and sweet message on Twitter.

“The last five years have been an amazing experience. The next five years will be even better. I am so grateful for all the love and support and so excited about the future,” she tweeted.

Meanwhile, Kelly “celebrated” her departure with friend and now-former co-star Shannon Beador on Tuesday night. Shannon and boyfriend, John Jansen, bought Kelly over a parting gift as news of her exit broke in the press.

Check out the clip from Kelly’s Instagram stories below!