Blake Shelton is a much-loved star who has been a coach on The Voice since the very first season in 2001.
And 23 seasons later, the country star is leaving the popular NBC show, and he is feeling quite emotional about it.
The award-winning singer took to Instagram on Monday to share a photo of himself sitting in the iconic judges’ chair, alongside a bittersweet message.
“Man, I’m really going to miss this chair,” he wrote. Fans were quick to reply telling them they wished he was staying, with one writing: “The Voice won’t be the same without you,” while another wrote: “Cannot believe you are leaving that chair, you are going to be missed!”
The Voice’s official Instagram also replied with a sad face emoji. The award-winning singer revealed that he was leaving The Voice back in October in a lengthy Instagram post.
It read: “I’ve been wrestling with this for a while and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from ‘The Voice’ after Season 23.
“This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me. It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at ‘The Voice’ from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best.”
The star continued: “I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife, Gwen Stefani! I have to give a huge shoutout to the singers – the ‘Voices’ who come on this stage season after season and amaze us with their talent and a special thanks to those who chose me to be their coach.
“Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches and everyone at ‘The Voice’ chasing their dreams. It wouldn’t happen without you!”
Blake later revealed that one of the reasons he was stepping away from The Voice was so that he could focus on being a stepparent. He is a doting stepfather to Gwen Stefani’s three sons, Kingston, 17, Zuma, 14, and Apollo, nine.
“If I walked away from my career at this time, the only thing that I run the risk of is having regrets that I’m missing out on some more important things in life,” he recently told People. “For now, that’s our kids. This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again.”
