Ms Bulley disappeared while walking her dog in St Michael’s on Wyre in Lancashire more than three weeks ago, sparking a major search.
Her body was discovered about one mile (1.6km) away from where she was last seen.
The family said Ms Bulley was “the centre of our world”.
Det Ch Supt Pauline Stables read the following statement outside Lancashire Police’s headquarters:
“Our family liaison officers have had to confirm our worst fears today.
“We will never be able to comprehend what Nikki had gone through in her last moments and that will never leave us.
- Body found in river confirmed as Nicola Bulley
- Live updates after police confirm body found in river is Nicola Bulley
“We will never forget Nikki, how could we, she was the centre of our world, she was the one who made our lives so special and nothing will cast a shadow over that.
“Our girls will get the support they need from the people who love them the most.