Danae Hays talks about separation from wife Mandie Kaii (exclusive)

TikToker Danae Hays and her wife Mandie Kaii have separated.

The content creator and comedian confirmed the news during her first tour, which runs through December. She shared a heartfelt message on Instagram and TikTok explaining the reason behind her decision to go her separate ways.

“We are both deeply saddened to announce that we have decided to part ways,” Hays began the post. “This decision was not easy for us as we both have so much love and respect for each other… but it is truly what is best for both of us. We have felt the love you have for us for years and have embraced it with gratitude.”

“We know that a large part of our relationship has been in the public eye, but we would greatly appreciate it if you would respect our privacy as we go through this extremely difficult time. We love you all,” she continued.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE provided by Hays' rep, she further addressed the split and thanked fans for their “kind words and support.”

“I am eternally grateful to all of you for giving me the time to process this and close this chapter,” the statement continued. “I look forward to getting back on the road with my fans and doing what I enjoy most… making people laugh!”

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Hays and Kaii first met through Instagram in 2016. After talking to each other on social media, they decided to meet in person. Years later, on April 3, 2021, the two tied the knot.

For their second anniversary, Kaii shared a sweet throwback video from their wedding day on Instagram. “Two years of being your wife and a whole life to go ✨ @danae.hays I love you more than anything in the world. HAPPY TWO YEARS DARLING 💍🤍,” Kaii captioned the post.

Before she met Kaii, Hays lived with her parents in a small town in Alabama. In an October 2022 interview with LGBTQ NationShe said that at age 9, she told her mother she was attracted to girls, and her parents later sent her to a counselor for “conversion therapy.” At 25, she left Alabama, met Kaii, and came out as a lesbian on social media.

“Some of my old teachers have been the most supportive,” Hays told the outlet. “Some of my old teachers have reached out to me and told me that they knew I was gay from day one and that they feel just as much love for me now as they did when I was in their class. To hear that from adults who watched me grow up in front of their eyes was so reassuring and comforting.”