Blake Shelton has been a part of The Voice since it first premiered in 2011. As a coach on the show, he has been on a remarkable journey with the popular singing competition for 23 seasons. However, Blake recently made the decision to leave the show and focus on his family with Gwen Stefani.

In an interview with People, Blake opened up about his reasons for leaving The Voice. He expressed that while being a part of the show has been exciting and fulfilling, he is ready to make his family a priority. Blake married Gwen in 2021 and became a stepdad to her three sons from a previous marriage.

“I have accomplished more than anything I would ever imagine and made plenty of money, but you can’t buy time back,” Blake shared. “Family is what I want to invest in now.” He doesn’t want to miss out on important moments with Gwen and their children and wants to avoid any future regrets.

Even though Blake is not their biological father, he takes his role as a stepdad seriously. He considers himself more than just a country singer or a goofy guy; he is someone his stepsons lean on. Becoming a father to children later in life can be challenging, especially when they already have another biological father in their lives. However, Blake has embraced this new experience wholeheartedly and wouldn’t change it for anything.

By leaving The Voice, Blake will have fewer television obligations and more time to dedicate to his family. While he is still open to doing passion projects, such as his new show Barmageddon or similarly quick-taped shows, he wants to prioritize being present in his children’s lives.

Blake’s departure from The Voice opens the door for a new era of viewers to tune in and discover younger coaches with fresh ideas and new talent. The recent additions of Ariana Grande, Camilla Cabello, and Niall Horan to the coaching team have been well-received. The show isexpected to continue its success, while Blake embarks on his next adventure with his family.

More: Why Fans Will Miss Blake Shelton On The Voice