NeNe Leakes Says Goodbye to 'Real Housewives of Atlanta'

After almost eight years on Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta," NeNe Leakes is saying goodbye!

"This was definitely a hard decision for me," Leakes, 48, says. "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" (These "different things" include an upcoming project with Kim Kardashian West).

She adds, "I feel very free. I can breathe a little."

Reports say that it was contract negotiations that made Leakes walk away. Having already committed to working on a primetime sitcom, "Real Housewives" failed to pony up the kind of numbers that would have convinced her to stay.

However, there's hope. Despite making the announcement that she's leaving "Real Housewives" behind her, Leakes is reportedly in talks with show produces to come back in a reduced role, and make appearances throughout season eight to "play with those girls."

This may be good news for "Real Housewives" and Bravo.

"I don't know if the show will survive without me," Leakes admits. "I hope so. … It will just have a little bit of a different tone without me there, for sure."

Despite the suggestion, Leakes insists that all is well between her and the network.

"Everything's just fine between me, the show and everyone at Bravo."

It seems true. creator Andy Cohen tweeted that Leakes is a "Real Housewife forever!!" and invited her to return any time.

Will you miss Leakes on "RHOA?"