diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py b/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
index dfc0450132c6..35f3eec3e79e 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/widgets.py
@@ -4244,7 +4244,7 @@ def onrelease(self, event):
             self.verts.append((event.xdata, event.ydata))
             if len(self.verts) > 2:
                 self.callback(self.verts)
-            self.ax.lines.remove(self.line)
+            self.line.remove()
         self.verts = None
         self.disconnect_events()