Jenna Lyons Leaving ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ Ahead of Season 16, Declines ‘Friend of’ Role

Jenna Lyons is stepping away from The Real Housewives of New York City.

“The rumors ….. Are true. So here’s the backstory,” Jenna, 57, wrote via Instagram on Friday, November 21. “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 [to] not return to the show.”

While Jenna said she had “love” for her cast, which included Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank, Sai de Silva, Racquel Chevremont and Uba Hassan, the businesswoman decided to step away.

“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,” she explained in her announcement. “I have so much respect and gratitude to the entire BRAVO team who produced the show with grace and care. I am so grateful to @bravoandy for the opportunity and support.”

Jenna also took time to thank the viewers, who continue to offer her kindness when cameras aren’t rolling.

“And most importantly to 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 !!!! It’s so incredibly meaningful,” she wrote. “I will be watching and bitching from the sidelines with love and outfit judgment.”

Earlier this month, Andy Cohen got fans buzzing at BravoCon 2025 when he confirmed producers are working on season 16.

“We have a cast for The Real Housewives of New York City,” Andy, 57, revealed during his “Ask Andy” panel on Sunday, November 16. “We are gonna be filming in the next few months. Very excited about that. More to come about that.”

Andy also confirmed that the next iteration of RHONY would not be a hybrid between the original show and the rebooted version.

“I honestly trust the Bravo producers. They know what they’re doing,” Erin, 38, told Us at BravoCon. “I feel like if they really thought that that was the way to go, then that’s the way we would go. I don’t think that they believe that that’s right for our group.”

Sai, 44, agreed before adding, “I feel like we were [brought] on for a reason. We want to see that through, so I can’t wait to see this next chapter of RHONY.”

Ever since season 15 of RHONY wrapped airing in February, fans have been eagerly waiting for any and all updates.

At one point, Bravo had to deny that the show was canceled. Instead, sources told Us that the network was working hard behind the scenes to get the best possible cast possible.

“It’s unclear on how many cast members they are looking for — and who may stay or who may go,” a source previously told Us. “Producers are always putting feelers out to see if they can find anyone new.”

Brynn Whitfield and designer Rebecca Minkoff previously announced they would not be returning to the Bravo show after participating in season 15.