First Published: October 14, 2013 10:46 AM EDT Credit: Bravo
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- 
Caption Caroline Manzo“The Real Housewives Of New Jersey” has lost one of its original stars.
“It’s been wonderful guys. I’ve decided to leave #RHONJ this season was my last. Love and kisses to you all. xoxoxo,” Caroline Manzo wrote on Twitter on Sunday night, immediately following the show’s reunion finale.
She further explained her decision to leave on her Bravo TV blog.
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“Over the past couple of years Bravo and I have had numerous conversations regarding my position on ‘Housewives,’ and they accept and understand where I’m coming from,” she wrote.
“I’ve always prided myself on being a good example for my children and my decision to leave is based on advice I’ve always given them: ‘Be true to yourself and be proud of who you are, you are born with a name and you die with a name, don’t dirty it up,’” she continued. “Going back to film another season of ‘Housewives’ would only make me a hypocrite. For me, peace and integrity cannot be bought with money or fame. I practice what I preach, and as I said on the reunion, I’m done. I simply feel that my role has run its course and I have nothing more to give.”
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During Sunday’s finale, Caroline locked verbal horns with co-star Teresa Giudice one last time.
“You know I have a good heart,” Teresa, who is facing 39 counts of fraud with husband Joe Giudice, told Caroline.
“No, I can’t say that in all honesty. I consider you someone I used to know … I’m done,” Caroline answered.
She might be done with Teresa, but Caroline is not done with Bravo.
“I may be leaving ‘Housewives,’ but my relationship with Bravo will continue as we started production on a pilot, ‘Manzo’d with Children,’ which if [it] goes to series promises to give the viewers a very different look into the world of the Manzo Family,” she continued in her blog.
Adding, “We are having an absolute blast filming it, and I hope you all join us as we start our new chapter within the Bravo network. We didn’t close the book, we just turned the page.”
-- Jesse Spero
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
