Chris Rupp, one of country a cappella group Home Free's founding members, has announced his departure from the band. The group broke the news on their official website on Friday (March 18); they also shared a video, which readers can watch above, to explain the announcement.

Rupp's departure is not due to any discord between the bandmates, but rather will give him the opportunity to pursue "his solo career and passion projects, including his recent album, Shine." In the video, Rupp -- who co-founded Home Free with his brother Adam and three other members who are no longer with the group -- calls leaving Home Free "a very difficult decision to come to."

“We would not be here without Chris. He is the founder of this group and has achieved so much — even more than thought possible — with us, but he’s ready for a new chapter in his life,” Home Free's website announcement reads. “And this is not a goodbye to Chris. We’ll still be collaborating with him on various projects.

"We could not be more excited for Chris’ future musical endeavors and can’t wait to see all of the content that’s coming!" the note continues. "This is a culmination of 15 years of hard work … we support him 100 percent, and we want you to support him as well.”

To fill Rupp's spot, after he performs his final show with Home Free on May 8 in St. Cloud, Minn., Adam Chance will join Adam Rupp, Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist and Tim Foust, the group's other four current members.

"I cannot even begin to tell you how much myself and the guys appreciate all the support you've given, both to me and to the band in general," Chris Rupp admits, "and we really hope that you continue to support us both moving forward."

Home Free rose to prominence following their first-place finish on Season 4 of The Sing-Off in 2013. Since their win, the band has released three major-label albums: Crazy Life, a Christmas album called Full of Cheer and Country Evolution.

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