Blake Lively has officially announced her retirement from the film industry after more than 20 years of dedication.

In an emotional statement shared via the official account, Lively’s family wrote:

“Blake has devoted her youth to the big and small screens. But now, she feels it is time to listen to her heart – and devote more time to her family, to herself, and to the quiet dreams that have never been fulfilled.”

A beautiful farewell – just like the way she lived

Blake Lively is more than just a star. She is a pop culture icon – from her glamorous Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, to her complex and profound roles in The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor and most recently Lily Bloom in It Ends With Us.

The project “It Ends With Us” – where she starred alongside her real-life husband Ryan Reynolds – is now seen as an artistic “farewell letter” to fans around the world.

The reason behind: “I choose family and real life”

In a video recorded from her backyard – simple but authentic – Blake confided:

“I love acting. But I also love waking up at 4am without makeup, cooking breakfast for my kids and watching my husband make jokes all day. That life has called me home.”

She admits that this was not an easy decision, but a “necessary choice for the soul”.

Ryan Reynolds – who has been with her throughout her career and family – hugged his wife as she finished speaking, whispering:

“She was my star – and the light of our home.”

Reactions from fans and Hollywood

Immediately, a series of artists and celebrities shared their thanks and farewells to the “Blake of the screen”:

Taylor Swift: “Blake always knew how to tell a story – with her eyes, her voice and her heart. I will miss her on screen, but I am happy that she got to live the life she chose.”

Anna Kendrick: “A chapter has ended, but Blake has never disappeared – she is the spirit, the soul of our generation.”

The hashtag #ThankYouBlake quickly became the top trending topic worldwide in less than an hour. Thousands of people reposted the most memorable moments of her career, along with a touching message: “Thank you for your youth, for your smiles, for the roles that made our hearts flutter.”

A career ends – but the legend lives on

Blake Lively did not retire silently. She chose to say goodbye with a great role, a warm message, and above all, with sincerity.

Her career may have ended – but her spirit and mark will live forever in the hearts of audiences around the world.

“Retirement doesn’t mean disappearing. It means living for the first time in a long time.” – Blake Lively