Everyone has a role model who shapes and defines them into what they are. For Gisele Bündchen, the celebrated Brazilian supermodel and ex-wife of Tom Brady, it’s none other than her mother, Vania Nonnenmacher. The close bond they shared is the reason why she breaks down when topics about her late mother pop up. 

In 2022, the 43-year-old celebrated her mother’s birthday in July with a sweet message on social media that read, “I am forever grateful for all that you have done and continue to do for us.” Fast forward to 2024, in late January, Gisele Bündchen’s mother died at 75 as she succumbed to cancer at Porto Alegre Hospital in Brazil. Despite the strength she holds within, it’s no wonder why she emotionally broke down when she had to revisit one of the most heartbreaking episodes in her life. 

Gisele Bündchen gets emotional in her discussion about her late mother

In her latest interview with The New York Times‘ Mattie Kahn, Gisele Bündchen opened up about her pain of losing her mother where it wasn’t just tears but jerking sobs as she said, “It’s just because it’s so raw. My mom – she’s superwoman to me. She’s a warrior.” Bündchen also fondly recalled her as a “strict… woman of few words” whose demeanor compelled people to listen when she spoke. Growing up, she also attributed her good-girl image to her mother because she often reminded herself, “My mother would not approve of this.” 

In 2019, Gisele Bündchen told The Wall Street Journal about how her mother worked as a bank teller while raising her and her five sisters in Horizontina in Southern Brazil. She said, “She always worked hard and prized discipline. Looking back, I learned a great deal from her dedication to her family and home.” Her approach is a testament to how much of an influence her mother played in her life, which paved the way for her to achieve great things and become who she is today. 

What’s next for Gisele Bündchen?

After dealing with two major heartbreaks in her life—her divorce from her 13-year marriage with Tom Brady and the recent loss of her mother—Gisele Bündchen isn’t about to let life’s sorrows cloud her vision for the future. Her career continues to shine with big brands like Louis Vuitton and Frame. In 2025, she’ll be celebrating her 30th anniversary in the fashion industry, and she has no intentions of ending her career yet.

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Rather than retiring, Bündchen stated of her approaching milestone, “I feel like that’s a good time to have some closure and to start a new season.” She has also recently released her new cookbook, Nourish. Of life, she said, “We cannot live life wrapped in Bubble Wrap.” And she’s right because no matter what happens, life goes on.

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