In August, it was announced that Pompeo would take on a smaller role in the medical drama, appearing in just 8 episodes of the 19th season. The actress uploaded an Instagram post on Thursday regarding the changes, addressing her supporters with a sentimental message. “I am eternally grateful and humbled by the love and support you have all shown me, Meredith GREY and the show for 19 seasons!” the 53-year-old wrote in the caption. “Through it all….none of it …would have been possible without the best fans in the world. You all are RIDERS and you all have made the ride so fun and ICONIC!! I love you madly and appreciate you right back. This isn’t your first time on the rollercoaster… you know the show must go on and I’ll definitely be back to visit. With a lot of love and immense gratitude XoE.” Devoted fans and followers flooded the social media post with an outpouring of love and congratulatory comments for the series veteran, as well as the official Grey’s Anatomy Instagram account, which dropped a few red heart emojis. Fellow co-star Kate Walsh also showed her support with a note of admiration. “Love and adore you, always and forever,” she expressed, adding, “Never good bye… just a see ya later, doll 🥰” along with a yellow heart emoji. Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho called her “legendary,” while actress Jodie Turner-Smith chimed in with: “wowwwww my love what a ride! lots of love and profound curiosity for what comes next.” In September, Pompeo divulged her reasoning behind stepping away from the long-running drama, stating that the inspirational show is an “amazing platform.” “But there’s only so much of it I can do after 19 seasons. It’s a lot,” she told Yahoo Entertainment at the time. “And I’ve given the fans and the show so much of my heart and passion and energy, and if I don’t have that same level 19 seasons later, I don’t deserve to be in every single episode. The fans deserve people who are super-excited and happy to be there. And these new kids that we have coming in are very happy and excited to be there.” Though Pompeo has taken somewhat of a backseat to her starring role, she is expected to continue as the narrator and executive producer of the series. In addition to pop-ups at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, she is said to be working on a new project: a Hulu limited series about the true story of American parents who adopted a Ukrainian woman posing as an orphan child. The 19th season of the fan-favorite began airing in October, and continues Thursdays at 8 PM EST on ABC. More News: • Gabrielle Union Flaunts Unique Hairstyle for ‘Strange World’ London Premiere • Celine Dion Shares Throwback Clips from ‘Studio Sessions’ with The Bee Gees • Allison Janney Wows in See-Through Sparkly Dress for Premiere of New Film
