ABC confirmed Ramirez's departure Thursday night, following the Season 12 finale of the series.
Sara Ramirez
??@SaraRamirez
That's a wrap for Doctor #CallieTorres #Season13#GreysAnatomy #ThankYou all for an enriching & unforgettable#Rollercoaster ride!
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12:04 AM - 28 Apr 2016
"I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy & ABC but for now I'm taking some welcome time off," the actress said in a statement. "Shonda's been so incredible to work for and we will definitely continue our conversations! I send my Love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland family!"
Creator Shonda Rhimes also added: “Dr. Callie Torres came into our lives dancing it out in her underwear almost a decade ago and I could not be happier or more proud of her journey. Sara Ramirez’s performance inspired me as well as millions of fans each week. We wish her the best on her well-deserved time off. I will miss Callie tremendously, but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland."
via GIPHY
Ramirez's exit comes after a season that saw her character wrestle with the decision of whether or not to leave her Seattle home and follow girlfriend Penny to New York City.
The storyline climaxed with one of Grey's Anatomy's most gripping episodes in years that ended with Callie losing custody of her daughter.
Thursday's finale saw the character regain custody after ex-wife Arizona had a change of heart and granted her the permission to relocate their young daughter across the country.
It can be presumed then that the door has been left open for Ramirez and her character to return for occasional appearances or on a more regular basis down the line. Since, you know, moving away isn't exactly death by truck.
Grey's Anatomy returns for Season 13 in the fall.
