diff --git a/changelogs/fragments/417_deprecation.yml b/changelogs/fragments/417_deprecation.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7d87985efe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelogs/fragments/417_deprecation.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+---
+minor_changes:
+- k8s_exec - update deprecation warning for `return_code` (https://github.com/ansible-collections/kubernetes.core/issues/417).
diff --git a/plugins/modules/k8s_exec.py b/plugins/modules/k8s_exec.py
index f13ec7df77..5ea1af72d1 100644
--- a/plugins/modules/k8s_exec.py
+++ b/plugins/modules/k8s_exec.py
@@ -212,7 +212,8 @@ def execute_module(module, k8s_ansible_mixin):
         rc = int(err["details"]["causes"][0]["message"])
 
     module.deprecate(
-        "The 'return_code' return key is deprecated. Please use 'rc' instead.",
+        "The 'return_code' return key is deprecated. Please use 'rc' instead. "
+        "Both keys are being returned for now to allow users to migrate their automation.",
         version="4.0.0",
         collection_name="kubernetes.core",
     )