Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the hit HGTV network show ''Fixer Upper," recently announced that they are leaving reality television. The show, which debuted on May 23, 2013, gave these quirky personalities the chance to help hundreds of families transform newly-purchased properties into decadent sanctuaries. Fans will miss their funny jokes, natural chemistry, and family-oriented lifestyle. Why are they ending the hit show now at the height of its success?
Is their relationship in jeopardy?
Rumors have spread across the internet as to the various reasons why.
To set the record straight, the loving couple appeared on ''Today'' and participated in an interview with Savannah Guthrie. When asked about the fans' outcry over their departure, Joanna responded, ''I get that because I think we've kind of all grown together. The audience has come alongside with us. On the other side, I feel there's so much encouragement, even though it was sad. They get it.'' Joanna continued to say that the biggest reason they left is because they have a young, growing family to attend to.
Living life out on camera can be tough for any reality star. There are tremendous pressures to be successful and be under a microscope constantly. Chip and Joanna have dealt with these issues for years, even more so now that their popular renovation show is ending and questions about their marriage are starting to circulate.
Chip Gaines promptly denied any relationship issues by saying, ''For us, the most important thing in the world is Jo and I's relationship, followed very quickly by these four kids. We wanted to take a step back and focus on the thing that is the absolute most important thing.'' He continued to say, ''I am really thankful that we can take a step back and take a break.''
Back to the simple life
It appears all is well within the Gaines family.
Throughout the interview, the ''Fixer Upper'' stars seemed in good spirits, often looking back at each other with smiles. Their support for each other seems strong and so does the support from their most loyal fans. For now, the Gaines family is departing from reality television in exchange for more family time. This is a wise decision given the spotlight both have been under for years.
At the end of the interview, they left the door open for a return to television once their lives settle back down. The home renovation duo certainly have earned this break, and it will be interesting to see what endeavors they pursue off-screen.
