Carrie Underwood Breaks Hearts With Unexpected Instagram Announcement: 'Torch' Will Be 'Passed'

Gettyimages | Erika Goldring

Carrie Underwood is breaking a fair few hearts right now. The "Cry Pretty" singer took to Instagram today with an unexpected announcement that was long, heartfelt, and a confirmation that she's bowing out of of hosting the CMA Awards after 12 years.

"I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years. It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do," Carrie wrote.

"I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. #blessed #MemorableMoments," she added.

Gettyimages | Duane Prokop

The post opened up with Carrie acknowledging that it's been a great year and mentioning her personal top moment.

"One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton. I’m so proud that we could celebrate the incredible female artists that are part of the legacy of country music, past, present and future, and I’m thankful for the huge audiences all over the world that tuned in to see it," she wrote.

Carrie's fans were definitely there to support her, but responses to the Instagram post did bring out a fair few broken-hearted followers.

"Sad to see you go, but perhaps the CMA will now recognize you for what you deserve," one wrote.

"This makes me sad, I’ve loved watching you host all these years. I hope to see you get Entertainer of the Year this coming year, as you deserved this last year," another added.

"??this made me sad. But you did an amazing job every time. was another comment.

Wikimedia | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Carrie_Underwood_(7494360594).jpg

If you can rely on Instagram for anything, it's a little shade-throwing. That seemed to be what was going on as one fan suggested that Carrie had been subject to unfair treatment.

"I don't blame you at all Carrie," one user said, adding:

"They snubbed you this year and we will always love you despite them. You're our Entertainer of The Year, and you always will be."

Carrie was nominated for Entertainer of the Year 2019, but Garth Brooks snatched the prize from her.

Carrie Underwood/Instagram

Carrie may be stepping down, but her life will be far from empty. If 2020 is anything like 2019 for Carrie, it'll be packed.

This year has seen Carrie welcome her second son with husband Mike Fisher – January-born Jacob joins his brother Isaiah. The year has also seen Carrie's "Cry Pretty 360" tour kick off, with Carrie performing from NYC to California.

Calia by Carrie is the singer's top-selling athleisurewear line. Alongside the likes of Khloe Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and Jordyn Woods, Carrie now has a full merch line to her name.

Chances are, next year will be even bigger for the "American Idol" winner. As to the fans, if you're one, you likely have thoughts.