Kaitlyn Bristowe took to Instagram on Monday to thank Bachelor Nation for supporting her and Tayshia Adams as co-hosts of “The Bachelorette” Season 17.

“I just want to say thank you, for opening up your hearts and homes to me and Tayshia every Monday night,” the Season 11 Bachelorette captioned a slideshow of photos and video clips with Tayshia. “I know change isn’t easy for people, and I know we could never, nor do we ever want to replace anyone.”

She continued, “We were there to be ourselves, mentors, and give a new perspective. We wanted to make everyone smile, and give Katie [Thurston] the validation she deserved with her feelings. It’s hard to navigate the world of being the bachelorette. I hope it helped to have to women there supporting her, relating to her, and understanding her.”

Kaitlyn went on to say that she is “so proud” of Katie, whose journey ended with an engagement to Blake Moynes.

Kaitlyn also urged fans to “always remember” she and Tayshia are “just doing [their] best” in their new roles within the franchise.

“Sometimes reading comments can really hurt, and sometimes they warm my heart. At the end of the day I’m just honored to be a part of this and can’t wait to be by Michelle [Young]’s side as well,” she wrote of assisting the Season 18 Bachelorette in her search for love this fall.

Kaitlyn concluded, “Thank you bachelor nation for giving us a chance. And thank you Tayshia for being my favorite co host with me. I really got to you know you through this as well and I just love ya. I’m feeling extra grateful tonight for this opportunity.”

Tayshia expressed her “gratitude” for the experience in a touching Instagram post of her own.

“It’s important to me that I acknowledge the gratitude I have for ABC and The Bachelor franchise,” the Season 16 Bachelorette wrote. “Thank you for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to support our lead Katie, represent the BIPOC community, and most importantly, emphasize the power of women supporting other women!!”

She added, “I’ve loved every second of it, and I thank you Bachelor Nation for the love and support. Kaitlyn, it’s hard to find a co-host you can click so well with. I wouldn’t want to be a mentor with anyone else! Cannot wait for another season to be on your television screens! See you in the fall.”