
Ruffa Gutierrez and Yilmaz Bektas exchanged heartfelt messages online as they reflected on raising their daughters, Lorin and Venice.
In a now-expired Instagram Stories post, Yilmaz expressed gratitude to Ruffa following the college graduation of their eldest daughter, Lorin.
“To the respected mother of my beautiful daughter, Sharmina Ruffa Gutierrez, who raised her with love, devotion, and great sacrifice to become the wonderful person she is today, I sincerely thank you for everything and carry endless gratitude in my heart,” he wrote.
“Endless gratitude for everything you have given, every sacrifice you made, and every beautiful memory you left behind,” he added.
Ruffa later responded through TikTok, where she shared a slideshow featuring Yilmaz's posts about Lorin's graduation, photos from their daughters' younger years, and his message to her.
“Thank you, Yilmaz. You really have a unique way of making me cry, Yilmaz,” Ruffa wrote.
“Thank you for recognizing the years of love, strength, and sacrifice that went into raising our daughters. No matter where life has taken us, Lorin and Venice will always remain our greatest blessings,” she added.
The actress also reflected on their history together, noting that it has been 26 years since they first met in Cannes.
“And hearing those words of gratitude from you means more than you know. Through every season since the day we met 26 years ago today in Cannes, I simply chose love for our children — and I would do it all over again,” she said.
Ruffa ended her message by thanking Yilmaz for honoring her journey as a mother “with kindness, sincerity, and respect.”
Ruffa and Yilmaz separated in 2007 and were later granted an annulment. In 2022, Yilmaz reunited with Lorin and Venice after being apart from them for 15 years.