Leslie Jones on her SNL exit: I'm not dead, just graduating

ET Canada

Jones has made her first comments about her Saturday Night Live departure one week after it was announced via a series of tweets this morning expressing gratitude to Lorne Michaels and her castmates. "Yes it’s true I am leaving Saturday Night Live," she tweeted. "I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years. Lorne Michaels, you’ve changed my life in so many ways! Thank you for being my mentor and confidant and for always having my back.  You not only have my loyalty but you have my heart too! You have shown me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you. To the incredible cast members: I will miss working, creating and laughing with you. I will miss holding it down with Kenan everyday, I will miss Cecily’s impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss Kate’s loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin, you porcelain-skinned Ken doll.  I will miss all my cast mates!! Especially being at the table reads with them!! Everyone needs to know Leslie Jones couldn’t have done any of the things I did without these people...One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years. and I know you will be as excited as I am when you see some of the amazing projects and adventures that I have coming up very soon! Love you all!! #iamnotdeadjustgraduating - Leslie."