Blake Shelton Reflects on Coaching for 23 Seasons of 'The Voice' Ahead of His Final Episode

etonline.com:

Blake Shelton is looking back on his 23 seasons as a coach on Shelton took to Instagram Tuesday ahead of his final episode to reflect on his time on the show, from being one of the original coaches when the singing competition series first premiered in 2011, to taking home nine — hopefully 10 after tonight — wins, and coaching alongside his wife, Gwen Stefani.«Can't believe it's been 23 seasons of @nbcthevoice… and especially can't believe today is my final episode.

It's bittersweet. When we signed up for season 1, I don't think any of us knew what this was going to be… These past 12 years I have made lifelong friends and memories,» Shelton wrote. «I've had the great opportunity to coach some really talented artists, 9 who have taken home #TeamBlake wins (let's make that 10 tonight?), and watch these artists grow so much from the show.»«Thank you to everyone… the crew, the coaches, the contestants, the fans, and my wife who have made these some really great years,» he continued. «Love y'all!!!!!!.»A post shared by Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton)The Cowboy is bidding his final farewell to  Tuesday, and while it's going to be hard to walk away, Shelton is looking forward to having some more time to relax with his wife, her three sons and the rest of his family after saying goodbye to the singing competition.«I want to finally have the opportunity to say yes to more stuff in my personal life,» Shelton told ET ahead of the finale, «and not say, 'Let me check,' or just flat-out no.»As for why he's leaving now, the country crooner told ET earlier this year that his time has come.«I mean, my god, it’s been 23 seasons, 12 years,» he reflected. «My friends, I've seen their kids literally grow up… It’s unbelievable, all the life.