After fourteen years of marriage, Tia Mowry, renowned for her roles in ’90s hits like “Sister, Sister” and “Twitches,” is embarking on a new chapter as a single woman. The decision to part ways with her husband, Cory Hardrict, left fans wondering what led to the end of their long-standing union.

Tia’s journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of remarkable. From her iconic roles alongside her twin sister, Tamera Mowry-Housley, to her solo endeavors in shows like “The Game” and “Instant Mom,” she has left an indelible mark on the industry. Alongside her professional success, Tia and Cory built a family, welcoming their son, Cree, in 2011, and daughter, Cairo, in 2018.

Their decision to separate, announced by Tia on Instagram in 2022, came as a surprise to many. In her post, Tia expressed gratitude for the happy times they shared and acknowledged the difficulty of their decision. The couple’s journey began in 1999 when they met on a film set, taking their time to nurture their relationship before tying the knot in 2008.

Before committing to marriage, Tia prioritized her education and career, a testament to her career-driven mentality. Despite initial hesitations, spurred by her focus on her burgeoning acting career and academic pursuits, Tia’s mother encouraged her to give Cory a chance. Their courtship was marked by patience and deliberate pacing, waiting a year before sharing their first kiss and dating for nearly eight years before exchanging vows.

Cory, a burgeoning actor at the time, was struck by Tia’s kindness and support, despite the income disparities between them. Reflecting on their early days, Cory recalled Tia’s unwavering belief in him as he navigated the challenges of Hollywood. Despite financial challenges, Cory was determined to make Tia his wife, a dream he realized when he proposed in 2006.

While the specifics of their separation remain private, Tia’s public comments hint at the role income inequality may have played in their relationship. As Tia adjusts to single life, she has been candid about her experiences navigating the dating scene for the first time in decades. Despite feeling inexperienced, she remains optimistic, trusting in a higher power to guide her journey.

“[They can say] my mommy is living and chasing her truth. I want my children to do that,” Mowry said

Photo:Charley Gallay/Gett

Tia Mowry says “chasing her truth” by filing for divorce from Cory Hardrict was “the best gift” she could give her children.

In a recent cover story for HelloBeautiful, the Sister, Sister alum, 44, opened up about how her decision to separate from the All American: Homecoming actor, 43, was ultimately in the best interest of her kids.

“A part of my decision was also for them,” Mowry said of filing for divorce for her two children, daughter Cairo, 5, and son Cree, 11. “For them seeing their mother walk in truth, I feel like it’s a great lesson for them because it was not an easy decision.”

Tia Mowry/ Instagram

“It was one of the hardest decisions that I had ever had to make in my entire life,” she explained. “But if they see that mommy can do it, that mommy, no matter what people say, no matter, even if there’s some sort of doubt, whatever, mommy pushed through.

“[They can say] my mommy is living and chasing her truth. I want my children to do that,” the actress continued. “That’s the best gift I can give them.”

“I want for them not to live a life that I want them to live, for them not to live a life that everybody else wants them to live or what they think that they should be or live,” she added.

“I want them to see that it is okay to have a bad day,” she continued. “I want them to see that it is okay to chase your joy. I want them to see that it is okay to live your truth.”

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

After 14 years of marriage, Mowry announced the couple’s separation in October with a heartfelt Instagram post.

“I have always been honest with my fans, and today is no different. I wanted to share that Cory and I have decided to go our separate ways,” she wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of the couple. “These decisions are never easy, and not without sadness. We will maintain a friendship as we co-parent our beautiful children.”

Mowry continued, “I am grateful for all the happy times we had together and want to thank my friends, family and fans for your love and support as we start this new chapter moving forward in our lives.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As they finalize their divorce, the couple dictated the rules around significant others and their two children in new documents obtained by PEOPLE.

“Absent agreement to the contrary, each party is restrained from introducing the minor children to a new romantic partner until that party has been in an exclusive relationship with the romantic partner for at least six months,” the documents read.

“Each party is further restrained from permitting his or her new romantic partner from spending overnights when the minor children are with that custodial parent during the first six months of the exclusive relationship,” the filing continues. “The parties agree that the restraints set forth in this paragraph are in the best interest of the children.”

The pair also agreed to uphold the previous agreement to share legal and physical custody of their children, which Mowry proposed in an October court filing.