Bye, Fiona: Emmy Rossum announces unexpected exit from 'Shameless'

After nine seasons on Showtime's acclaimed Shameless, star Emmy Rossum is walking away.

In a Facebook post made earlier this afternoon, Rossum announced her exit, bid adieu to her South Side Chicago family, reflected on her upbringing, talked about Malcolm Gladwell, and even alluded to a possible return...

However, she did not give a reason for the departure.

Rossum signs off her note, saying, "I know you will continue on without me, for now. There is much more Gallagher story to be told. I will always be rooting for my family. Try not to think of me as gone, just think of me as moving down the block."

Based on that, Shameless will likely continue on without its central star. But viewers will be left with a big Fiona-sized hole in their hearts... and a mountain of questions.

How will Fiona exit the show? Will she just run away? Is she going to college? Taking off with Ford to Ireland? Dying?!

Who will be the new family leader? Lip? Ian? Debbie? Frank? Carl? ... Liam?

What will happen to Fiona's apartment complex? And the custody of her siblings?

Most importantly: Will they finally change the title sequence? Cause Jimmy's butt is still in it!

There's plenty to sort out for everyone involved—especially on Showtime's end.

Viewers can start getting caught up with the premiere of Season 9, which Rossum is appearing in. Airing in two parts, new episodes of Shameless begin rolling out September 9th. The rest will follow in January 2019.

Update August 30 4pm ET:

Creator John Wells confirmed through a statement distributed by Showtime that the Gallagher family and Shameless will continue on without Rossum.

"We are hard at work now creating a Season 9 finale which we hope will provide a Gallagher-worthy sendoff for Fiona that honors the great work Emmy has done," he said in a press release. "It is always bittersweet when an ensemble member decides to move out of the proverbial house, but our door will always remain open for Fiona to return home for a visit, or to move back in.”

So, at least Fiona's death is off the table.