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departure
Though several sketches throughout Saturday's episode referenced her departure, Strong shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about her "impossible" decision to leave the show.
Her post—featuring Saturday's sketch of Austin Butler and cast members serenading Strong with their emotional rendition of "Blue Christmas"—was captioned:
"My heart is bursting. I have a lot of big huge life changing love to unpack, so this is what I can say tonight."
She recounted her first day on the job.
"Ten and a half years ago I got my dream job."
"The first actual work day I tried to be very cool and make it look like I knew what I was doing and I was supposed to be there."
"I left around 11 after saying goodbye to everyone. I got stuck wandering around the building because none of the elevators went to the first floor and I was trying so hard to avoid having to go back upstairs to ask for help because I'd already said goodbye!!!"
She continued she eventually had to go back upstairs after searching for any other options to get out. Her costar Colin Jost walked her to the "secret night time elevator."
She finished noting Jost helped her out once again, this time on her last day.
"It felt as impossible to leave that night as it does now."
"And my great friend Colin Jost ended up helping me again, this time by getting Elvis to sing me off (thank you Austin Butler you absolute kind and generous dreamboat)."
You can see the full post below.
Some SNLcast members—past and present—expressed their sentiments.
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
Friends and fans also congratulated Strong on her success and wished her well in her future endeavors.
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
@cecilystrong/Instagram
Strong also explained her need to keep her departure discreet.
"I'm sorry I've been a little quiet about it publicly."
"I didn't want the extra pressure on something already so emotional for me."
She finished:
"I am ready to go, but I'll always know home is here."
"I've had the time of my life working with the greatest people on earth."
We will miss Cecily's impeccable delivery each Saturday, but we wish her all the best.