Bruce Jenner is 'happier than ever' after publicly revealing he identifies as a woman and is 'overwhelmed by support'

Almost 17million viewers tuned in on Friday night to hear him publicly admit for the first time that he identifies as a female.

And after keeping his secret for so many years, it's no surprise that Bruce Jenner feels immense relief in the days following the bombshell interview.

Sources tell People that the 65-year-old star is now happier than ever, saying: 'Bruce seems very relieved that the interview finally aired' 

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Relief: Sources have revealed to People that Bruce Jenner is relieved his interview has finally aired and is overwhelmed by all the positivity

Relief: Sources have revealed to People that Bruce Jenner is relieved his interview has finally aired and is overwhelmed by all the positivity

They added: 'He is overwhelmed by all the positive comments on social media following the interview.'

The father-of-six has made it clear that he wants to highlight his story to help other transgender people facing discrimination and the insider revealed 'he feels very good' about what he did to 'help other people in his shoes.'

'He also seems very happy that he is moving forward with his transition,' they added

The source also revealed that in the past few weeks alone, the reality star 'seems more comfortable with his new life. He leaves his house wearing lip gloss and nail polish. He seems more confident, relaxed and definitely more happy' 

A ratings smash: Nearly 17 million people tuned in on Friday to watch Bruce admit that he identifies as female and plans to completely transform into a woman

A ratings smash: Nearly 17 million people tuned in on Friday to watch Bruce admit that he identifies as female and plans to completely transform into a woman

Emotional: Viewers saw the Olympic gold medalist reveal his decades long struggle to Diane Sawyer 

Emotional: Viewers saw the Olympic gold medalist reveal his decades long struggle to Diane Sawyer 

Another source close to Bruce's family echoed the sentiments saying 'He's so relieved,' they added 'like a big weight is off of his shoulders. The whole family is relieved too.'

The emotional interview saw a tearful Bruce reveal: 'For all intents and purposes, I am a woman.

'My brain is much more female than it is male. That's what my soul is. Bruce lives a lie. She is not a lie.' He added: 'I can't do it anymore.' 

Among the 16.9million people watching was Bruce himself and his immediate family. According to TMZ, his kids believe he won over the hearts and minds of the nation, including some people who initially had negative feelings about the transition. 

New life: Another family source said the star 'seems more comfortable with his new life. He leaves his house wearing lip gloss and nail polish. He seems more confident, relaxed and definitely more happy' 

New life: Another family source said the star 'seems more comfortable with his new life. He leaves his house wearing lip gloss and nail polish. He seems more confident, relaxed and definitely more happy' 

The site claimed Kim especially was 'very emotional' while watching it, and kept stating how proud she was of her stepdad and how positive the interview came across. 

Bruce, who has been in the spotlight in recent years starring on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, said that he plans to completely transform into a woman and has been taking female hormones regularly.

The Olympic gold medalist, who admitted he contemplated suicide while struggling to deal with the pain of keeping his secret, told Diane that he is still attracted to women and has always enjoyed a good sex life.

Supportive family: Bruce is pictured with daughters Kendall and Kylie (on either side) and stepdaughters Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian

Supportive family: Bruce is pictured with daughters Kendall and Kylie (on either side) and stepdaughters Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian

'I was never attracted to the guys. I am not gay. I am, as far as I know, heterosexual. As far as I know, I've never been with a guy. I've always been married, raising kids.' 

Bruce's family, and countless stars, voiced their support for the former athlete on Twitter during and after the show. 

Variety reports that 20/20 also achieved its highest ratings in the 18-49 demographic in 15 years.

Brave: Many stars including Bruce's family supported him on social media during and after the interview 

Brave: Many stars including Bruce's family supported him on social media during and after the interview 

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