Gisele Bündchen Has 'Blossomed' After Tom Brady Split: 'She Is Secure and Happy' (Exclusive Source)

Bündchen and Brady divorced in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage

Gisele Bündchen is in a good place in her life. 

A source tells PEOPLE that the supermodel, 43, has “blossomed” since her split from ex-husband Tom Brady.

“She is secure and happy, and so busy with her life that she doesn’t have time to dwell on the negatives out there,” the source said. 

The former couple divorced in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage. The exes agreed to joint custody of their children: Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11. Brady, 46, is also dad to son Jack, 16, with his ex-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan.  

In an interview with Vanity Fair last year, Bündchen said she and the retired NFL star realized they "wanted different things" compared to when they met in their 20s.

Tom Brady and Gisele. Stefanie Keenan/Getty

While it "doesn't mean you don't love the person," Bündchen said, "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."

"When you love someone, you don't put them in a jail and say, 'You have to live this life,' " the Nourish cookbook author added. "You set them free to be who they are, and if you want to fly the same direction, then that's amazing."

Gisele Bündchen; Tom Brady.

Michael Loccisano/Getty; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

The latest reporting on Bündchen comes after she was spotted on a cozy stroll with her boyfriend Joaquim Valente on the weekend despite a reported split. 

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The pair were pictured walking dogs together on Saturday, June, 15, in Surfside, Florida. Bündchen wore a white tank top and dark jeans, while her jiu-jitsu instructor boyfriend, 36, sported a blue T-shirt and black pants.

Gisele Bundchen attends the Gisele Bundchen x Gaia Herbs Launch Event 2023.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

A source told PEOPLE that the duo have a “close relationship, but not a serious love affair.”

The couple began dating in June 2023. They met because Bündchen's son Benjamin took jiu-jitsu lessons at Valente's academy.

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"Joaquim is a great guy. He is down to earth, kind and inspiring,” a source told PEOPLE in July of Valente, adding that the pair’s “friendship turned romantic after her divorce from Brady. 

“It's been very natural for her to date Joaquim,” the source added. 

In a sitdown with Robin Roberts for "IMPACT x Nightline: Gisele Bündchen: Climbing the Mountain" earlier this year, Bündchen touched on her love life and shared, "Where my heart is now is where I am right now. I’m living my truth, and I’m not apologizing for it.”

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