Nearly six months after Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello announced their divorce, Vergara revealed the true reason the couple split after seven years of marriage. In an emotional interview with the Spanish newspaper El País, Vergara shared that she and Manganiello weren’t on the same page when it came to expanding their family.

Vergara, 51, already has a 32-year-old son from her previous marriage, and she explained that she didn’t want to be an older mother. “My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn’t want to be an old mom,” she said. “I feel it’s not fair to the baby. I’m ready to be a grandmother, not a mother.”

Respecting her own age and life stage, Vergara added, “I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I’m almost in menopause; it’s the natural way of things. When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then I’ll give it back to him and go on with my life; that’s what I have to do.”

The former Hollywood couple announced their separation in July 2023, with a joint statement requesting privacy during this difficult time. Two days later, Manganiello filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” While Manganiello has moved on, Vergara mentioned in a recent appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that she’s currently single.

We have to respect Sofia Vergara for her decision and understanding her own limitations. While there are certainly older parents successfully raising young children, it’s not a path that everyone may choose. It’s important to prioritize our own happiness and well-being when making life-altering decisions.