Ellen Pompeo Teases “I’ll Definitely Be Back...” to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Fans in a Heartfelt Post

After nearly 17 years in the role of Dr. Meredith Grey, Ellen Pompeo has left the beloved Shondaland show, Grey’s Anatomy, as a series regular. Pompeo took some time on Thursday to address her fans in a heartfelt Instagram post where she thanked the Grey’s audience for hopping along for the ride and rooting for her from the surgical theater, noting that “none of it…would have been possible without the best fans in the world.”

ABC/Raymond Liu

She made the comparison of working on Grey’s to riding a rollercoaster and was incredibly grateful to fans for being the ultimate “riders.” And we know Grey’s fans are hardcore, ride-or-die. Pun intended. Pompeo attributes them to the show’s “ICONIC” reputation. “I love you madly and appreciate you right back,” she gushed, signing off with “...a lot of love and immense gratitude XoE 🙏🏼❤️”

Pompeo was met with a flood of comments from the likes of fellow Grey’s actress veteran and returnee, Kate Walsh, and real-life doctor Aviva Romm, MD, all wishing her well on her next adventure. Not to mention Luke Baines’s “Sedate me” comment. Too soon? We understand the fanfare; we'd trust Meredith with our lives. She’s totally qualified, having gone from surgical intern to Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial.

ABC/Liliane Lathan

In addition to taking her final bow, Pompeo teases that this isn’t the last you’ve seen of her on the show. We know she’ll continue to do the show’s intro and outro voiceovers, but maybe she’ll be back to do a cameo or two? Could there be (another) Grey’s spin-off? As for us, we can’t wait to see what Pompeo’s up to next.

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