After a stalemate of a season 8, and ongoing battles with a few OG’s of the show, Candiace-Dillard Bassett has decided to exit the show ahead of season 9!

The singer,songwriter , who joined the series in season 3, tells PEOPLE exclusively that she won’t be returning to the reality series for its upcoming ninth season. 

“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” Dillard Bassett, 37, says.” With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”

She goes on to tease that her exit might only be temporary, noting, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’ “

The “Drive Back” songstress ends her note with a message of thanks to her fans. “Your unwavering support has been my guiding light, and I look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead — and more importantly, sharing them all with you!” she says. 

Dillard Basset’s departure comes after a fractured season of RHOP that saw her at odds with O.G. cast members (and former friends) Gizelle Bryantand Robyn Dixon.

Executive producer and reunion host Andy Cohenhad said that reconciliation was something he was hoping for. “The flaw of this season is that there are women who aren’t able to find any common ground with some of the other women, so there are all these pockets of women that just won’t even acknowledge each other — which is not a recipe for, you know, [good TV],” he noted on his radio show, SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, earlier this month. “One of the hallmarks of the Housewives is finding a way to move forward. And so, that was kind of the directive of the Potomac reunion.”

Bravo famously doesn’t comment on casting, but a source close to production confirmed to PEOPLE Dillard Bassett made the choice to leave the franchise on her own.  

Candiace’s time on the show has been polarizing. Those that love her really love her. But she had a fair share of detractors as well. One thing’s for certain, Dillard-Bassett had made her mark in Potomac and hopefully her time away from the franchise won’t be long.