Lilian Garcia confirms WWE exit on social media: 'It has been a magical 15-year career'

STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Longtime WWE ring announcer Lillian Garcia has confirmed her exit from the company on social media.

"I've been getting a lot of tweets and messages asking where I have been and if I'm coming back to WWE, so I wanted to let you know what has been going on and why I have been silent," the Latin singer wrote on Instagram Monday alongside a photo herself next to her ailing father.

"I've been through so many emotions lately that they literally have kept me up at night. As most of you know, my father has been battling with two different types of cancer. He hasn't been doing as well as we hoped, THEREFORE, I will not be traveling weekly with WWE any longer," she continued before outlining her post WWE plans. "I will be looking to take on work closer to where I live so that I don't have to be on the road weekly away from him. He truly needs me, and I need this time with him. I ask that you please continue prayers for my father and my family."

Garcia started with WWE in 1999 and has worked on and off with the sport entertainment giant for 15 years, announcing WWE Superstars as they entered the ring and singing the national anthem before every show.

"It has been a magical 15-year career at WWE, and WWE Universe, I can't thank you enough for all your love and support! I felt you every step of the way! I also want to thank the amazing WWE Superstars, whom many of them have become my friends! You are an incredible group of people with SO much talent! It has been such an honor to introduce you to the ring and watch your superior athleticism week after week. Thank you to the crew & production staff on the road and in the offices. I've seen you work so hard! You really are the glue that keeps it all together!" she wrote thanking the organization.

"Lastly, thank you WWE for this incredible ride that I never wanted to get off. I've had experiences beyond my imagination. I thank you for not only allowing me to use my voice as an announcer but also sharing it to sing around the world. What an honor! I will cherish the memories forever. This is not goodbye as I will ALWAYS be part of the WWE family & hope you all will follow me on social media to share in my next chapter. I thank you & I love you!!" she concluded.

Garcia originally exited WWE in 2009 in order to further pursue a music career, but returned in 2011. Garcia notably attended both the 53rd annual Grammy Awards in 2011 and the Latin Grammy's in 2007 following the release of her Spanish language album,¡Quiero Vivir!

WWE has remained silent on Garcia's departure and has used ringer announcer JoJo in her place in recent weeks .