As we near the end of The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 16, Cynthia Bailey is taking a moment to reflect on her journey—this time, as a “friend of the show.”
ICYMI: Cynthia officially stepped down from her full-time peach-holding duties in September 2021. Since then, she’s made a few guest appearances in Season 15 and returned this season in a part-time “friend of” role.
While some may see the shift as a step back, Cynthia is embracing it with grace. The model-turned-reality-TV-icon took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message with fans ahead of the finale.
“As a housewife for over a decade (and literally the creator of the friend contract, lol!), I truly enjoyed being a ‘friend of the show’ this season,” she wrote.
In true 50 Cynt fashion, she also showed love to every woman who’s ever held a peach.
“For every woman who has ever been a peach holder, just know that each and every one of you in your own way has made a contribution and helped open the door for another woman to walk through.”
Cynthia closed her post-season reflection with a note of gratitude to the fans, her fellow castmates, and everyone behind the scenes.
“There is no show without you. I appreciate the love, the honesty, and the grace.”
