Grey's Anatomy star Sara Ramirez, who plays Dr. Callie Torres on the show, has decided to end her shift after ten seasons.

Ramirez has starred in Grey's Anatomy since 2006. She confirmed on Thursday that she will be leaving the hit ABC series.

Ramirez released a heartfelt statement, expressing her gratefulness to the cast and crew of Grey's Anatomy, who, in the ten years they have spent together, have become family.

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"I'm deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey's Anatomy & ABC but for now I'm taking some welcome time off. Shonda's been so incredible to work for, and we will definitely continue our conversations," the 40-year old actress said. "I send my love to Ellen [Pompeo], the rest of the cast & crew, and I look forward to always being a part of the Shondaland Family!" 

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has also spoken about Ramirez's departure. "We wish her the best on her well-served time off. I will miss Callie tremendously, but am excited for what the future holds for Sara. She will always have a home at Shondaland," said Rhimes.

Grey's Anatomy Season 12 finale was filled with drama but reached a happy conclusion for Ramirez's Dr. Callie Torres. She and ex-wife Arizona, played by Jessica Capshaw, have finally settled on a custody agreement over Sofia, their daughter.

Fortunately for Callie, Arizona allowed her to bring Sofia to New York. Despite Ramirez's departure, fans should not be so saddened as the plotline makes it easy for her character to come back should she decide to come back to Grey's Anatomy in the future.

Meanwhile, fans are already campaigning for spoilers for Grey's Anatomy season 13. Fortunately, there are already a few spoilers circulating including Dr. Alex Karev's return.

Dr. Karev is played by Justin Chambers, the well-loved pediatric surgeon. Chambers was asked by a fan on Twitter whether or not he will make his way back into Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital for the show's 13^th season. The actor replied with a resounding "Oh yeah!!!"

No release date has been set for the release of Grey's Anatomy season 13.

TagsGrey's Anatomy, Grey's Anatomy Season 12, Grey's Anatomy Season 13, Medical Drama Series, ABC Series, Shonda Rhimes, Sarah Ramirez, Dr. Callie Torres, Ellen Pompeo, Meredith Grey, Alex Karev, Justin Chambers