Renée Jones Quits 'Days of our Lives'

‘Days of our Lives’ star Renée Jones will exit the long running NBC series this June.

TV Guide’s Michael Logan broke news of Jones’ exit this morning. In his exclusive interview with the star, Jones revealed she’s contemplated leaving for over a year, and is happy with her decision.

I am so grateful to Days for 20 years of steady employment — it’s been a fantastic opportunity — but I finally had to stop and ask myself, “What really makes me happy? What really brings me joy in life?” And it’s not acting. I just don’t want to do this anymore. I was raised on a farm in Georgia and I want to get back to that silence, that solitude. I want to spend all day enjoying nature, experiencing God. Every so often production at Days will go dark for a couple of weeks and I feel relieved. I feel free. I’m like, “Wow, there’s a whole other world out there!” Acting now feels like a chore and I need a break — maybe for a good long time, maybe forever.

Renée Jones joined the cast of Days of our Lives in 1987 as Lexie Brooks, a young police officer chosen to be Abe Carver’s new partner. Since then she’s become a doctor, been revealed as Stefano’s long-lost daughter, had multiple affairs, turned evil, kidnapped a baby, become a mother and engaged in a legendary feud with Alison Sweeney’s Sami Brady.

As for her exit, Jones says Lexie will die due to an inoperable brain tumor. For more of Jones’ revealing interview with Michael Logan, visit TVGuide.com.

My Take: As sad as I am to hear about Renée Jones leaving, at least it’s happening on her own terms. In acting (and life in general really), if you no longer love doing what you do, it’s time to move on. The business is losing a phenomenal actress, but the important thing is she’s happy. She’ll be missed.