Justin Hartley, the 47-year-old actor known for his role in CBS's new series Tracker, is experiencing the joys of fatherhood through his daughter, Isabella Hartley. In an interview with PEOPLE, Hartley expressed his deep connection with his 19-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife Lindsay Korman-Hartley. Isabella has become more than just a child to him; she has become a cherished friend.
As a father, Justin finds immense joy in the journey of parenting. He describes it as the best experience one could have. Having an adult daughter allows him to have another person to confide in and share conversations with. He greatly appreciates the bond they share and refers to Isabella as 'wonderful.'
For Justin, being a dad is a lifelong commitment. He believes that the role of a father never fades away, even as children grow into adulthood. He states that being a dad always takes priority, and he anticipates that even when Isabella turns 30, she will still view him as her first point of contact.
Isabella's arrival into the world came when Justin and Lindsay met on the set of the soap opera Passions in 2003. They tied the knot in May 2004, and shortly thereafter, Isabella graced their lives in July. Now, Isabella is all grown up, having graduated from high school in May 2022. She embarked on her journey at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in the following fall. Her parents proudly celebrated this milestone on social media, expressing their immense love and support.
Justin is a proud father who revels in his daughter's accomplishments. Witnessing Isabella's growth, both personally and academically, fills him with great pride. He considers her success in life, no matter the aspect, as a testament to his parenting.
Reflecting on the years gone by, Justin finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. Seeing Isabella mature and achieve various milestones triggers memories of all the firsts they shared together. From her first wobbly steps to her first attempts at tying shoelaces and her first words, Justin is overwhelmed by how quickly time has passed. It astounds him to realize that the little person he once cared for has transformed into a young adult. These precious moments serve as a reminder to cherish every stage of his daughter's life and to prioritize what truly matters.
Justin emphasizes the importance of savoring every moment and not wasting time on trivial matters. Parenthood has taught him to appreciate the fleeting nature of time and to focus on creating meaningful connections with loved ones. These experiences have only strengthened his bond with Isabella.
In addition to his role as a dedicated father, Justin is also gearing up for his new series Tracker, set to premiere after Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday, Feb. 11, on CBS. As he embarks on this new professional endeavor, he carries with him the love and support of his daughter, who continues to inspire and motivate him.
Justin Hartley exemplifies the joys and challenges of parenthood. Through his unconditional love and unwavering support for Isabella, he sets an example of the kind of parent we all aspire to be. As Isabella continues to thrive in her journey through life, Justin will always be there, her number one fan and lifelong friend.