Leva Bonaparte has bid farewell to Southern Charm. The reality star, 45, announced her exit Wednesday, after four seasons as a full-time cast member.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"I'm stepping away from Southern Charm this year on great terms!" Bonaparte posted on Instagram. "I want time to focus on my boys and my joys." The mom to 7-year-old Lamar Jr., nicknamed Little, craves a "life reset" off-screen.
"My personal life isn't salacious, but I've got a lot going on," she wrote. "I'm working on cool stuff I hope to share soon!" She wished her Charm friends well and plans to pop in when needed. Fans might spot her at "a party or two" next season or on the spinoff Southern Hospitality, which tracks her Charleston restaurants co-owned with husband Lamar.
"You'll see me in full force on Southern Hospitality," she added. "The show's found its footing this year, thanks to fans, Bravo bloggers, and the GOAT network @nbc @bravotv!"
That said, she's not quitting TV -- just dialing back. "Love y'all!" she signed off.
'Charm' Marching On
Southern Charm closed its 10th season March 20. A two-part reunion kicked off Thursday. "This season was fun," Bonaparte told PEOPLE. "It reminded me why we're friends -- we have a good time together."
She entered season 10 on solid ground with the cast.
"I was in a good place with everyone," she said. "I just wanted fun, not fights. Usually, I'm all about feelings, but this year, I didn't have the bandwidth. I didn't care." At 45, she played a "neutral space" for castmates. "I'm older, no agenda," she explained. "I'm a trustworthy spot. I might be the one who really knows everybody."
Honesty drives her reality TV approach. "Be honest," she advised. "People smell dishonesty. If you don't own your stuff, it backfires." The screen gave her fresh self-perspective, but boundaries remain firm. "I'm savage about them," she said. "My business comes first. I protect it. We've got big things brewing."
Bonaparte's shift keeps her in the Bravo orbit -- just with a lighter Charm load.
