Is anybody else really sad about this SVU news?

I cant believe chris meloni is leaving l&o: svu. It makes me sooo sad. its one of my favorite shows of all time and he is leaving! He and mariska hargitay are my favorite characters on the show and even on tv. Not only is he leaving, next season (season 13) benson (hargitay) will be promoted and be on the show part time! Im so sad about this. :(