Gisele Bündchen has spoken.
Five months after she and Tom Brady finalized their divorce, the Brazilian supermodel discussed the split in an emotional interview — saying “it’s like a death and a rebirth.”
Bundchen — who was married to the retired NFL quarterback for 13 years — is mourning “the death of my dream,” she told Vanity Fair in a cover story published on Wednesday.
“It’s tough because you imagine your life was going to be a certain way, and you did everything you could, you know?” an emotional Bundchen said from Costa Rica as her voice broke and her eyes watered.
Following a few breaths, Bundchen continued: “I believed in fairy tales when I was a kid. I think it’s beautiful to believe in that. I mean, I’m so grateful I did.
“You give everything you got to achieve your dream. You give a hundred percent of yourself, and it’s heartbreaking when it doesn’t end up the way you hoped for, and worked for, but you can only do your part.”
Gisele Bundchen is featured on the April edition of Vanity Fair.Lachlan Bailey/Vanity Fair
Gisele Bundchen is featured on the April edition of Vanity Fair.Lachlan Bailey/Vanity Fair
Gisele Bundchen opened up on her divorce from Tom BradyGisele Bundchen/InstagramBundchen went on to deny previous reports that claimed her marriage with Brady ended over his decision to come out of retirement last March.
The former Victoria’s Secret angel called the assumptions that she gave Brady an ultimatum — retire or break up — “very hurtful” and “the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Bundchen explained that marriages aren’t built or broken overnight.
“That takes years to happen,” she said. “Listen, I have always cheered for him, and I would continue forever.
Gisele Bunchden at Carnival in BrazilGisele Bundchen/Instagram
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen at the Met Gala on May 6, 2019 in New York City.Patrick McMullan via Getty Image
“If there’s one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it’s him, believe me. I want him to achieve and to conquer. I want all his dreams to come true. That’s what I want, really, from the bottom of my heart.”
When Brady announced on Feb. 1 that he was retiring “for good,” Bunchen publicly supported him — writing on Instagram at the time: “Wishing you only wonderful things in this new chapter of your life.”
Bundchen claimed “everything” that was written about the couple’s split was untrue.
“One more season?” the interviewer attempted to fill in.
“Wow, people really made it about that,” Bundchen replied.
“What’s been said is one piece of a much bigger puzzle. It’s not so black and white.”
Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady got divorced in 2022Penske Media via Getty ImagesBundchen indicated to the outlet that a gradual drift between her and Brady occurred prior to the quarterback’s retirement saga.
“Sometimes you grow together; sometimes you grow apart,” the 42-year-old model said.
“When I was 26 years old and he was 29 years old, we met, we wanted a family, we wanted things together. As time goes by, we realize that we just wanted different things, and now we have a choice to make.
“That doesn’t mean you don’t love the person. It just means that in order for you to be authentic and truly live the life that you want to live, you have to have somebody who can meet you in the middle, right? — It’s a dance. It’s a balance.”
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen attend the Hollywood For Science Gala on Feb. 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.FilmMagic
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen with their kids after the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in Feb. 2021.Brady and Bundchen have two children together: daughter Vivian, 10, and 13-year-old son Benjamin.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion is also has a 15-year-old son Jack with his ex, actress Bridget Moynahan.
As their children attended Brady’s games amidst the split, Bundchen couldn’t believe that tabloids “made me somebody who is against football” in various headlines and stories.
“Are you kidding me?” she said. “I learned about it! I used to joke that I was going to be able to be the ref because I’ve watched so many games. And I loved it.”
The ex-couple — who were set up on a “blind date” — had remained tight-lipped about their divorce as it played out in the public eye.
Brady has yet to address Bundchen’s interview.
