A beloved “Once Upon A Time” character is leaving Storybrooke *forever*, and we are not okay

In a surprise announcement today, Once Upon a Time star Jennifer Morrison announced that she would be leaving the series at the end of the sixth (and current) season. The actress, who played protagonist Emma Swan for six seasons, took to Instagram to announce her decision to leave the show. Excuse us while we cry a river of tears. 

It was previously announced that the sixth season of the ABC series would conclude the current long-running storyline. The series — which is yet to be renewed for a seventh season!! —  would kick off its new season with a fresh storyline. Before today’s announcement, Morrison, Robert Carlyle, Lana Parilla, and Colin O’Donoghue were thought to be resigning with new contracts for another season.

But not so much for Morrison.

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In her Instagram caption, she writes:

“As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on, Morrison said. “Emma Swan is one my favorite characters that I have ever played. My 6 years on ONCE UPON A TIME has changed my life in the most beautiful ways. I am absolutely blown away by the passion and commitment of the Oncer fans. I am so honored to have been a central part of such a special show.

Morrison also shared that if the show did get picked up for another season, she would return for one episode. OUAT, which recently aired its musical episode, saw Morrison’s character marry O’Donoghue’s Captain Hook. Having *just* found happiness, we really hope Emma doesn’t get killed off in the final few episodes of the season, even though we know most of the season has revolved around the premonition of her death.

Creators and showrunners, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis released a moving statement thanking Morrison for her time on the show: 

“The past six years of collaborating with Jennifer as Emma Swan have been truly magical, they said. “Watching her breathe life into Emma, she accomplished more than we could have dreamed possible — she gave life to a brand-new Disney Princess, filled with strength and intelligence and an incredible closet full of red leather jackets. We’ll miss seeing her every day, but her imprint upon ‘Once Upon a Time’ is indelible. She will always be a part of the show and its heart and soul. That said, just because Jennifer won’t be back every week doesn’t mean we won’t see our savior again.

We’re really curious to see how the show continues without Emma Swan (and Jennifer Morrison). While it remains to be seen if Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin will continue their roles as David (Prince Charming) and Mary Margaret Blanchard (Snow White), we hope the series gets picked up for another series.

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