Following the Sept. 29 release of Lars Anderson's biography, Brady: An American Story and the Price of Greatness, a source close to the model tells PEOPLE that Bündchen is happy with where her life is today.
According to the insider, Bündchen once expected to spend the rest of her life married to Brady, making their eventual split particularly painful.
"She always thought she would be married to Tom for the rest of her life," the source says. "The divorce was very upsetting, and she struggled to understand it at the time, but she's not bitter."
The source adds that Bündchen remains grateful for the years she and Brady spent together and, most importantly, for their two children. The former couple share son Benjamin, 16, and daughter Vivian, 13.
"She's very spiritual and looking back, she feels the universe had another plan for her," the insider says.
Brady and Bündchen finalized their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage. Their split has received renewed attention following the release of Anderson's book, which explores the challenges surrounding the end of their relationship.
According to the book, Brady requested an extended break from Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp during the summer of 2022 in an effort to privately work on his marriage with Bündchen in the Bahamas. The attempt ultimately did not prevent their divorce.
The biography also details the emotional toll the separation reportedly had on Brady. Former Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said Brady lost nearly 20 pounds during the period, describing the quarterback as highly stressed and noticeably different from his usual self.
Bündchen has previously spoken publicly about the end of her marriage. In a 2023 Vanity Fair interview, she rejected claims that the divorce came down to Brady choosing between his family and football, calling those reports hurtful. She explained that the situation was more complicated than a single disagreement or ultimatum.
Despite their separation, Bündchen said she continued to wish Brady well and wanted him to achieve his dreams.
Since the divorce, Bündchen has built a new chapter with jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente. The couple welcomed a son in February 2025 and married in December of that year.
A source says Bündchen feels "blessed" to be a mother again and is happy with Valente and their family life in Miami. Another insider previously described the marriage as a meaningful new step for the couple, saying their close family celebration made their relationship feel even more special.
