Blake Shelton is a well-known celebrity who has been a coach on The Voice since the show’s beginning in 2001.
And now, 23 seasons later, the country star is departing the iconic NBC show, and he is overcome with emotion.
The award-winning musician took to Instagram to share a snapshot of himself seated in the renowned judges’ chair, along with a heartfelt message.
“Oh, I’m going to miss this chair,” he wrote. Fans quickly responded, saying they wished he could stay, with one commenting, “The Voice won’t be the same without you,” and another, “Cannot believe you’re leaving that chair, you’re going to be missed!”
The official Instagram account of The Voice also responded with a sad face emoji. In October, the award-winning singer announced his departure from The Voice in a lengthy Instagram statement.
“I’ve been debating this for a while, and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from ‘The Voice’ after Season 23,” it said.
“This program has changed my life for the better in every manner, and it will always feel like home to me.”
“It’s been a wild ride over the past 12 years of chair changes, and I’d like to thank everyone at NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, the crew, and the catering staff. You are the best.”
“I’ve established lasting friendships with Carson and every single one of my other coaches throughout the years, including my wife, Gwen Stefani!” the singer concluded. “I’d want to congratulate the singers – the ‘Voices’ – who come on this stage season after season and astound us with their talent and those who picked me to be their coach.”
“Lastly, it’s about y’all, the fans, who follow and support these artists, us coaches, and everyone at ‘The Voice’ achieving their dreams. It wouldn’t be possible without you!”
Blake later mentioned that one of the reasons he was leaving The Voice was to focus on being a stepparent. He adores Gwen Stefani’s three sons, Kingston, 17, Zuma, 14, and Apollo, nine.
“The only thing I run the danger of if I walk away from my work at this moment has regrets that I’m missing out on the more significant things in life,” he recently said.
