Candiace Dillard-Bassett Bids Farewell to RHOP After Six Seasons with Gratitude, Teases Possible Return Amid Speculations of Departure tram

Candiace Dillard Bassett is quitting her role on The Real Housewives of Potomac after six seasons.

Following Sunday night’s finale of the Bravo reality series, which featured a heated fight between her and Deborah Williams, Candiace, 37, who joined the cast in 2018 for season three, confirmed she will not be returning to the show 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,” Candiace told PEOPLE on March 25. “With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”

In addition to calling her exit a “break,” Candiace further teased that a future return to RHOP is possible, saying, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’”

“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 concluded to her fans.

Throughout the eighth season of RHOP, Candiace was seen at odds with both Gizelle Bryant, 53, and Robyn Dixon, 44. And in the recently-released trailer for the three-part reunion special, she makes it clear that not much has changed between them, calling Robyn a “loser” and telling Gizelle she stands by her claims that she’s “evil.”

Prior to season eight, Candiace featured her 2018 wedding to now-husband Chris Bassett on the show, giving her fans a look at their big day during the series’ fourth season.

She also appeared on season three of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip in 2023.

While Bravo has yet to speak out on Candiace’s exit from the network, a source close to production told PEOPLE that it was Candiace’s decision to leave, and not the other way around.

Although it is unclear what exactly Candiace will be focusing on following her RHOP departure, her music career has always been at the forefront. She has also expressed interest in starting a family with Chris in the near future.