Candiace Dillard Bassett Reveals Her Pregnancy Was '95 Percent' of the Reason She Quit “RHOP”: 'No-Brainer'
The reality TV star announced on Monday that she is expecting her first baby with husband Chris Bassett
Candiace Dillard Bassett is putting her family first.
After announcing that she is expecting her first baby with husband Chris Bassett on Monday, April 15, The Real Housewives of Potomac star, 37, explained that her pregnancy was a major factor why she is leaving the series after six seasons, noting that her new baby is "95 percent" of the reason.
"I was really adamant about creating a space not just for the baby, but for me — for us — for this time in our lives," Candiace told Entertainment Tonight. "I wanted the space around us and around our child to feel peaceful and to feel free and to feel positive, without any added pressure, good, bad or indifferent from the show."
"I was not confident that I could have that in the space that the show exists in, currently. It was kind of a no-brainer."
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Related: Candiace Dillard Bassett Is Pregnant! RHOP Star Expecting First Baby with Husband Chris Bassett
Noting that she initially thought she could balance both her pregnancy and her time on the show, Candiace said that the more real it became, the more she realized the show wouldn't be able to factor into her life anymore.
"I would have nightmares about it not working," Candiace admitted. "I could maybe only [be pregnant] once, like, who knows? It's such a gift and a blessing, and a really amazing and scary time. I just wanted to experience it free of any unwarranted stuff."
Candiaceinitially shared her pregnancy news in a sit-down interview with Entertainment Tonight.
"I am about 13 weeks ... so just about into the second trimester," she told the outlet. "It's been weird, but also really wonderful, I think, to keep it kind of to ourselves to this point. ... It's just been, like, kind of quietly just growing a bun."
Candiace's exciting announcement comes after PEOPLE broke the bombshell that she wouldn’t be returning to RHOP after season 8. She first joined the show in season 7, staying for six seasons.
“As I embark on a new chapter after six remarkable years with The Real Housewives of Potomac, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching friendships, personal growth and moments of introspection that have defined this journey,” Candiace said. ”With a whirlwind of new opportunities and responsibilities on my plate, I have decided to take a break from RHOP.”
She went on to tease that her exit might only be temporary, noting, “This is not a farewell, but a ‘see you later.’ “
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