After nearly three decades, Sarah Jessica Parker has officially closed the chapter on one of television's most iconic characters – Carrie Bradshaw. 

The announcement that And Just Like That… would conclude after its third season has left fans and cast members alike grappling with the end of an era. The award-winning actress recently appeared at a panel hosted by Threads in the Hamptons (Aug. 11) to address the beloved series.

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Parker expressed her deep connection to the character. 

"It's incredibly hard to be definitive. Why would you stop doing something...that is successful in this moment? It's because of the profound affection for the job and for the show, which is where Michael and I were all those years ago when we stopped shooting the Sex and the City television series," Parker explained. "It's the respect and the affection that we feel for the experience in totality that leads you to a decision like this."

She told fans that playing Carrie Bradshaw was "such an extraordinary job" and her goal was to "honor it." 

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Parker added, "Sometimes it seems an anathema to say, 'We're not going to do more,' But if you love something, you know where to leave it sometimes."

Showrunner Michael Patrick King echoed Parker's sentiments, explaining that the decision to end the series was driven by a desire to honor the show's legacy. He emphasized that the conclusion was not due to declining viewership but rather a creative choice to bring Carrie Bradshaw's journey to a natural and meaningful close.

Earlier this month (Aug. 1) King announced that And Just Like That... would be ending after its season 3 finale, which aired last night, Aug. 14. 

"And just like that...the ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe is coming to an end," he wrote on Instagram. "While I was writing the last episode of And Just Like That...season 3. It became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop. Along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Casey Bloys, and Sarah Aubrey, we decided to end this popular series this year with a two-part finale and extended the original series order from 10 episodes to 12." 

He told the devoted fandom that the show waited to announce the heartbreaking news because they didn't want the word "final" to overshadow the fun of watching the season. He concluded the heartbreaking post with gratitude to the loyal viewers who have invested their time into the three-decade-long narrative. 

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"It's with great gratitude we thank all the viewers who have let these characters into their homes and their hearts over these many years," King added. 

Following the cancellation news, Parker turned to social media to share a heartwarming note to Carrie, the fabulous diva we all admire. 

"Carrie Bradshaw has dominated my professional heartbeat for 27 years," she wrote. "I think I have loved her most of all. I know others have loved her just as I have."

The series finale, titled "Party of One," delved into themes of solitude and self-acceptance. Carrie, embracing her independence, danced alone in her apartment – a poignant callback to the original Sex and the City finale. This moment resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom have followed Carrie's journey through love, loss, and personal growth.

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For fans, saying goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw feels akin to bidding farewell to a close friend. The character has been a constant companion, offering insights into relationships, career challenges, and the complexities of life in New York City. 

As the series concludes, fans hold onto the hope that Carrie may return in some form – be it through a future film, a special reunion, or another creative endeavor. For now, they cherish the memories and the enduring impact Carrie Bradshaw has had on their lives.

Photo Credit: @saskialawaks on Instagram