Tom Brady confirms divorce with Gisele Bündchen

Tom Brady confirmed that he and Gisele Bundchen have finalized their divorce.

After 13 years of marriage, Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen are going their separate ways.

Brady is a seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots before that. Bundchen is one of the most successful supermodels of all time. While they were the epitome of a power couple when they were together, not every marriage is forever. Roughly half of all marriages end in divorce, Brady and Bündchen’s included.

Here is Brady’s official statement about the divorce, via his Instagram.

"“In recent days, my wife and I finalized our divorce from one another after 13 years of marriage. 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 … We arrived at his decision to end our marriage after much consideration … Doing so is, of course, painful and difficult, like it is for many people who go through the same thing every day around the world. However we wish only the best for each other as we pursue whatever new chapters in our lives that are yet to be written … And we kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate what is to come in the days and weeks ahead. Thank you.”"

And here is Bündchen’s official statement about the divorce as well, via her Instagram:

"“With much gratitude for our time together, Tom and I have amicably finalized our divorce. My priority has always been and will continue to be our children whom I love with all my heart. We will continue co-parenting to give them the love, care and attention they greatly deserve … 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. Thank you. Gisele”"

Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen confirm they have finalized their divorce

Look. This isn’t easy for anybody. As a child of divorce myself, you quickly realize that two great people can’t always make it work. Any healthy relationship takes a lot of patience, sacrifice and evolution. Factor in kids, and it only complicates things. Now imagine being arguably the most famous couple in the Americas and having to go through this. Give them the privacy they deserve.

In time, Brady and Bundchen will find happiness. More importantly, it will be an adjustment for their children, coming to grips that their parents no longer love each other. While nothing good ever lasts forever, the same principle can be applied with the bad. Your life isn’t defined by the obstacles you encounter, but how you overcome them. Marriage is sacred, but divorce is brutal.

If Brady and Bundchen want us to respect their privacy, then we need to honor their requests.