Melody Shari has officially announced her departure from Love & Marriage: Huntsville after nine seasons on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) reality series.
“In 2018, I decided to share my life with the world as a cast member on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s Love & Marriage: Huntsville,” Shari, 39, wrote in a statement shared on Friday, January 31.
“At the time, I had no clue what to expect. I only knew that bringing this show to fruition had been a goal of mine, and it would be another one that I could knock off the list.”
The reality show first premiered as a series following three successful African American couples who came together to revitalize the city of Huntsville, Alabama, through their shared real estate business, The Comeback Group.
Shari acknowledged that the show has opened doors for her in ways she never could have imagined.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people while, unfortunately, also learning tough lessons about life, relationships, and friendships,” she shared.
“I count it all a blessing because, without pressure, there is no diamond. It is not easy bearing some of your darkest moments to the world, but it becomes easier when you know you were created to withstand the heat.”
Melody Shari (Photo: Own Network)Despite her gratitude for the opportunities and the unwavering support from fans who have shown her “grace, loyalty, and love,” Shari confirmed that “this chapter must come to a close, and this is the end of my chapter with Love & Marriage: Huntsville.”
Melody Shari Reflects on Her Decision
After first revealing her exit during an Instagram Live session on Wednesday, January 29, Shari—who shares four children with her ex-husband Martell Holt—said she has “slept like a baby” since making the decision and has no regrets.
“To my babies, WE gon’ be aight,” she wrote via Instagram on Friday. “Thank you for agreeing with mommy’s decision.
You, too, are now stronger because you witnessed firsthand what standing strong looks like when our doors closed … in our private moments. Even you were attacked, innocent babies, but we uplifted and reminded each other that GOD will handle all evil.”
The reality star had one final message for her devoted fanbase—affectionately known as the “Melometers”—who have been on this journey with her for nearly a decade.
“We are FREE,” she shared in an Instagram post. “Thank you for holding me down and walking this journey with me from Day 1. Thank you for your love and support, and now accept your freedom. The chains are broken.”
Love & Marriage: Huntsville continues to air on OWN, with new episodes premiering Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET.