Image Source: Getty / Sean Zanni
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady‘s marriage is ending, the two announced on Oct. 28. In a statement shared on his Instagram Story, Brady wrote, “In recent days, my wife and I finalized our divorce from one another after 13 years of marriage.” He added: “We arrived at this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. We are blessed with beautiful and wonderful children who will continue to be the center of our world in every way. We will continue to work together as parents to always ensure they receive the love and attention they deserve.”
Bündchen also issued a statement confirming her and Brady’s divorce via her Instagram Story, writing, “The decision to end a marriage is never easy but we have grown apart and while it is, of course, difficult to go through something like this, I feel blessed for the time we had together and only wish the best for Tom always. I kindly ask that our privacy be respected during this sensitive time.”
Brady and Bündchen’s announcements follow People‘s confirmation that, after months of speculation over the state of their marriage, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and former supermodel are filing for divorce in Florida. “The settlement is all worked out,” the site reported on Oct. 28. “They’ve been working on the terms this whole time. They agreed to joint custody of the kids.” A rep for Brady and Bündchen did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR’s request for comment.
Brady and Bündchen first started dating in 2007 and were married in 2009. The year of their nuptials, Bündchen told Vanity Fair that she “knew right [a]way” that the athlete was the one for her. In fact, she said their connection happened the first time she saw him. Bündchen said, “[He] smiled and I was like, that is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I’ve ever seen!”
The now-former couple share two children, son Benjamin, 12, and daughter, Vivian, 9, in addition to Brady’s older son, Jack, from his relationship with Bridget Moynahan.
The news comes not long after Brady’s quick reversal on his announced retirement earlier this year. Brady had originally told fans he was walking away from football, only to backtrack on the decision on March 13 and confirm he’d rejoin the Buccaneers for a 23rd season. Bündchen had previously been outspoken in her desire for Brady to retire but publicly supported him in his decision to stay on the field this year.
Brady and Bündchen were plagued by reports of difficulties in their marriage as the NFL season kicked off and she was noticeably absent at his games. On Sept. 16, a source told People that the couple had been living separately for “more than a month.” Other sources told the outlet that Brady’s decision to return to the NFL has been an issue for the couple, as Bündchen reportedly wanted him to spend more time with their children. On Sept. 7, an insider told People that the pair were “hitting a rough patch.” The insider continued, “There’s a lot of tension. She was so happy when he announced his retirement, and she wasn’t thrilled at all when he went back on that.”
And in early October, Page Six reported that the couple had obtained divorce attorneys. At the time, a rep for the athlete declined to comment to POPSUGAR.
See Brady and Bündchen’s full statements about their divorce below.
Image Source: Instagram user tombrady
Image Source: Instagram user gisele