Bethenny Frankel Announces Departure From 'Real Housewives'.<br />Frankel, an original member of the show's N.Y.C. version, will leave <br />before its 12th season.<br />In a statement, the Skinnygirl founder said she will focus more time on philanthropy, other <br />media projects and her family.<br />It's time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women, Bethenny Frankel, via statement.<br />With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power <br />that women have, Bethenny Frankel, via statement.<br />It is the second time Frankel has left 'Real Housewives' with the <br />first coming after season three.<br />She then returned a few seasons later after filming her own spinoff, 'Bethenny Getting Married.'.<br />Besides her statement, Frankel also posted a <br />thank-you note to followers on Instagram.<br />I am so grateful to you for sticking with me through everything. You started this journey with me in my tiny apartment in my late 30s, wondering what would happen to me. I was broke, single, had no family and no idea what the future held, Bethenny Frankel, via Instagram
