Why were the girl's roles recast?

Jeannine Riley (Billie Jo I) left because she felt that if she were going to do TV, it should be a lead role. Producers weren't sorry to see her go, because she reportedly was difficult. She did a few years of Hee Haw and a few bits parts and never really had much of a career after PJ. She has never participated in reunions or DVDs.

Pat Woodell (Bobbie Jo I) left to pursue a singing career. Unlike Riley, she left on good terms and even helped select her replacement.

Gunilla Hutton (Billie Jo II) left, depending on who you ask, because 1) She wanted to do a play (and at the last minute tried to return when the play was cancelled but they had already signed Meredith MacRae to replace her); 2) CBS let her go because she was having an affair with Nat King Cole; or 3) CBS found out she was posing for Playboy.