One Tree Hill Minus Two? Burton's Emotional Message to Fans

It looks like Chad Michael Murray might not be the only longtimer bidding adieu to One Tree Hill come Season 7.

Not long after the CW announced another pick-up for the serial, The Chad's leading lady, Hilarie Burton, issued what for all intents and purposes is a goodbye message to her fans.

All but confirming an online report that she, like Murray, won't be continuing her run, Burton says in a video posted to her Wilmington, North Carolina-based production company's website, "I want to clear up one thing that's very important to me. I want everyone to know how much I love Peyton Sawyer, and my crew.... I don't want anyone to think I'm abandoning a place that's been very good to me."

Occasionally pausing and visibly trying to maintain her composure, she says, "I've had a really good run, and I wish I had creative control over the show, and I don't. But if I did, it would go on for a million years, and Peyton Sawyer would cry for you all the time — because she does that." So true.

Burton's gloriously selfless spin on the otherwise sad sitch? Another season of Tree Hill means ongoing employment for the show's North Carolina crew.

Watch TVGuide.com's on-the-set videos with Hil (here and here) to remind yourself of what a truly cool gal we may be saying farewell to here. (In retrospect, I guess I should have slow-danced with her when I had the chance.)

A spokesperson for the CW has no comment on the Season 7 status of either Burton or Murray.