The billionaire and philanthropist Bill Gates He has spoken openly about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, with whom he shared 27 years of marriage, describing it as the biggest mistake of his life. In an interview with the Times this Saturday, the Microsoft co-founder reflects on the difficult years that followed the separation and the lessons that this stage left behind.
Gates, 69, says the divorce experience was devastating for both him and Melinda. “The divorce issue was miserable for us for at least two years,” he confesses. Although he claims to be calmer now, the tycoon acknowledges that this episode occupies first place on the list of the mistakes he most regrets in his life. The separation not only marked the end of a personal relationship, but also a change in the dynamics of their common projects. One of the most difficult moments for Gates was Melinda’s decision to leave the foundation they had created together. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which until then symbolized the union of their philanthropic efforts, officially changed its name in 2024 to the Gates Foundation after Melinda’s departure.
Bill and Melinda met in 1987 during a Microsoft sales meeting. At that time, Melinda worked as a product manager and Gates was already the CEO of the company. Gates’s first date was in a parking lot, a modest start to a relationship that would become one of the most visible in business.
They married on January 1, 1994 and had three children: Jennifer, 28 years old; Rory, 25; and Phoebe, 22. “When Melinda and I met, he was already somewhat successful, but he wasn’t ridiculously successful. That happened while we were together,” Gates recalls in the interview, noting that his wife was a witness and support during the years of further growth in your career. However, in 2021, after having been secretly separated since the previous year, they announced their divorce. In a statement, they explained that they could no longer “grow together as a married couple in the next stage of life.”
The divorce occurred when Gates had a net worth estimated at $130 billion
Gates avoids going into too much detail, but admitted in a previous interview, in 2022, that he had “caused pain” to his family, hinting that infidelity could have played a role in the end of the marriage. For her part, Melinda spoke more openly about some of the factors that contributed to the split. In an interview with CBS Mornings, expressed his dissatisfaction with her ex-husband’s professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. “I made it clear that I didn’t like those meetings. He was hateful. He was evil personified,” Melinda said. The divorce occurred when Gates had a net worth estimated at $130 billion. Although the couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, they did have a “separation agreement” that established the terms of the divorce.
After the divorce, both have started new relationships. Gates began dating Paula Hurd, former technology executive and widow of Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Oracle. For her part, Melinda made public her relationship with the businessman Philip Vaughn in October 2024. Despite their separation, Gates assures that Melinda and he maintain a cordial relationship, especially for their children and grandchildren. “Melinda and I still see each other. We have three children and two grandchildren, so there are family events. The children are doing well and have good values,” he says.
In the interview, Gates also reflects on the meaning of a lasting marriage, recalling with admiration the relationship of his parents, Bill Sr. and Mary, who They were married for 45 years. “There is something wonderful about spending your entire adult life with one person, because of the memories and the depth of shared experiences,” he said. Gates accepts that his marriage did not have the ending he expected, but considers that the period they lived together was full of personal and professional achievements. Their separation, although painful, has allowed him to rethink priorities and continue working on his philanthropic mission.
Despite the difficulties, Bill and Melinda’s work together through their foundation continues to have a global impact. Since its creation, the organization has led initiatives to combat poverty, inequality and disease around the world. Through their separate lives, both remain committed to the cause, although now on different paths. Gates’ divorce, although it marked him deeply, has not diminished his optimism for the future. “I’m happy now,” He assured, making it clear that, even after mistakes, he is still willing to learn and move forward.
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