Ruffa Gutierrez, Yilmaz Bektas exchange heartfelt messages about raising daughters

Ruffa Gutierrez and Yilmaz Bektas exchanged heartfelt messages online as they reflected on raising their daughters, Lorin and Venice.

In an now-expired Instagram Stories, Yilmaz first expressed gratitude to Ruffa after their eldest daughter, Lorin, graduated from college.

“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,” Yilmaz added.

Ruffa responded on TikTok, posting a slide show of Yilmaz's posts about Lorin's graduation, her growing up years, and Yilmaz's original message.

“Thank you, Yilmaz. You really have a unique way of making me cry, Yilmaz,” she 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.”

Ruffa also reflected on their long history together, noting 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 post by thanking him for honoring her journey in raising Lorin and Venice “with kindness, sincerity, and respect.”

After separating in 2007, Ruffa and Yilmaz were granted an annulment.

In 2022, Yilmaz reunited with his daughters after 15 years of being apart. — Carby Basina/LA, GMA News