What started as just a rumor has officially transformed into a hard truth for “The Young and the Restless” fans: Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Abbott) has officially confirmed that she is indeed leaving the soap she joined in 2008.

In an exclusive statement to Soap Opera Digest, Hendrickson said: “You may have heard the rumor that I am leaving ‘Y&R’…and it is with a grateful heart that I wanted to tell you personally, my unbelievable fans, that the rumor is true. What does one say after a decade of the most amazing relationship? Let me start by saying THANK YOU. Thank you for standing by me and all of my characters in daytime over the many years. A big special thanks to the BAMers, Chilly’s, Clonan’s and Clovin fans. Your love and dedication has been unwavering. Even the most beautiful relationships need to go through changes in order for them to grow and evolve. This is where I find myself. I need to stretch my wings and fly into the unknown. The one thing that remains true and what I will hold close to my heart as I embark on this new adventure is that I will ALWAYS have you. If it weren’t for all of your love, support and faith in me as an actress I wouldn’t be able to make this bold move. Please know, this is not goodbye forever. This was a very amicable parting of ways. I will be working for a few more weeks and airing well into May. ‘Y&R’ and especially [executive producer] Jill Farren Phelps made it very clear they did not want to see me go and plan to leave the door open for Chloe. I am beyond thankful for my career in daytime, the friends I have made along the way and especially for all of you. I hope to see you all soon. Lets keep in touch. Maybe in another medium or simply another time slot. Regardless. I’ll miss you. Love Lizzie. ”

How do you feel about Hendrickson’s decision to leave? Will you miss her in the role of Chloe?