Instead of completely cutting the cord, Krista referenced back to her previous departure from the show as a way to soften the blow.
“The last time I left Grey’s Anatomy, I was gone for seven seasons and the show was still going when [creator] Shonda [Rhimes] called me to run it,” she continued. “So I’m not saying goodbye because that would be too bitter sweet. I’m saying, ‘See you in seven seasons.'”
Shonda paid tribute to Krista, who helped guide Grey’s through many of its most recent buzzworthy moments, including the shocking return of Patrick Dempsey in the season 17 premiere.
“Krista’s creativity, vision and dedicated leadership have allowed Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19 to continue to flourish,” Shonda said in a statement to E! News. “I am incredibly grateful to her for all her hard work. She will always remain part of the Shondaland family.”