Carrie Ann Inaba exits 'The Talk' following extended leave: 'It's been an honor'

Carrie Ann Inaba is quickstepping away from "The Talk."

Four months after stepping back as co-host of the CBS daytime talk show to focus on her health, Inaba, 53, announced Friday that she's officially exiting the show following three seasons.

"I enjoyed my time at The Talk as co-host and moderator and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to grow with the entire Talk family as well as truly connect with the viewers on such a personal level," Inaba said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY.

Inaba, who replaced Julie Chen as a permanent co-host in January 2019, revealed on Instagram Friday that this was a mutual decision between herself, CBS and "The Talk."

'Health is the most important thing': Carrie Ann Inaba to take leave of absence from 'The Talk'

"It's been an honor to be a part of your lives and to have a voice," she said in an Instagram video. "I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, to not only my wonderful co-hosts, past and present, but also those behind the scene that I love so deeply."

The "Dancing With The Stars" judge said she's grateful to walk away from "The Talk" with "lifelong friendships" and memories of "many unforgettable experiences."

"To all my friends and family at ('The Talk') I wish you a great Season ahead!" she wrote.

Season 12 of the CBS show is scheduled to start in September after a summer break.

Although she'll miss the show, Inaba said she's excited for her next chapter. She teased her next move, signing off, "I'll see you very soon."

Carrie Ann Inaba replaces Julie Chen as the newest co-host on 'The Talk'

Heather Gray and Kristin Matthews, executive producers of 'The Talk,' said they are "grateful" for Inaba's contributions.

“Carrie Ann’s authenticity and openness created a special connection and relationship with our audience,” the executive producers said in a joint statement to USA TODAY. "Her warmth, wisdom and vulnerability are just a few of her many admirable traits that will be missed. We wish her much success and good health going forward.”

Inaba previously announced in April that she was taking a leave of absence to focus on her well-being.

"We all know health is the most precious gift we have. And I need to take care of mine," she wrote. "I appreciate the love and support from all of you and from my family at The Talk. I hope to be back soon! Ready for action! I’m sending you all my love. And I’ll update you on my progress... talk soon."

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Inaba's departure is the latest hosting shake-up. With Inaba gone, "The Talk" is down to four permanent co-hosts: Sheryl Underwood, Elaine Welteroth, Amanda Kloots and Jerry O’Connell.

O’Connell joined the show in July as its first permanent male co-host to replace Sharon Osbourne, who departed the show following a controversial on-air exchange with Underwood about race. Welteroth and Kloots joined the show in January, replacing Eve and Marie Osmond.

Contributing: Bill Keveney

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carrie Ann Inaba exits 'The Talk' following extended leave