Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential philanthropists, has admitted that his divorce from Melinda French Gates is the greatest mistake of his life. In a candid interview with The Times of London, the 69-year-old billionaire shared his regret over ending his 27-year marriage with Melinda, 60, and revealed the emotional toll it took on both of them.
Gates explained that while he has experienced other failures in his life, none were as significant or painful as the end of his marriage. “There are others, but none that matter,” Gates said. “The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.” His honesty about the difficult period that followed their separation in 2021 shows the profound impact it had on both their personal and professional lives.
A Marriage of 27 Years
Bill and Melinda married on New Year’s Day in 1994, after meeting in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager. Bill, who was the CEO at the time, was already on his path to becoming a tech giant. Their relationship started in a parking lot when Bill asked Melinda out on a date. Over the years, their bond grew stronger as they built a family together, raising three children: Jennifer, 28; Rory, 25; and Phoebe, 22.
Despite the success that both Gates and Melinda achieved throughout their marriage, it was the personal moments, raising their children, and creating memories together that Bill fondly recalls. He mentioned that there was a unique joy in spending years with one person, building a life full of memories, and raising children with shared values.
However, their relationship faced challenges, and in May 2021, they announced their divorce, which had been finalized a year earlier. The decision to end the marriage came after the couple reportedly struggled to grow together in the next phase of their lives. Although the divorce was officially announced in 2021, it became clear that their relationship had been on the rocks for some time.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Aftermath
One of the lasting legacies of their partnership was the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at tackling global issues such as poverty, inequality, and disease. Despite their separation, both Bill and Melinda continued to work together on the foundation for a period. However, after their divorce, Melinda stepped down from the organization in 2024, and it was rebranded as The Gates Foundation.
Bill shared his disappointment regarding Melinda’s departure from the foundation. “When we got divorced, it was tough, and then she made the decision to leave the foundation – I was disappointed that she took the option to go off,” he said, hinting at the emotional strain caused by her decision.
The Rumors Behind the Split
Though Bill and Melinda have kept the exact reasons for their divorce private, rumors have suggested that Gates’s alleged infidelity and his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein might have contributed to the split. In 2022, Melinda openly discussed her discomfort with Gates’s ties to Epstein, whom she described as “abhorrent” and “evil personified.” Bill has acknowledged causing pain to his family but has refrained from providing specific details about the factors that led to their separation.
Despite the challenges, Bill and Melinda continue to maintain a relationship for the sake of their children and grandchildren. “Melinda and I still see each other—we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events. The kids are doing well. They have good values,” Bill said, highlighting the importance of family and their continued connection.
Life After Divorce
Both Bill and Melinda have moved forward with their lives since the divorce. Bill is now dating Paula Hurd, the widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, while Melinda is in a relationship with entrepreneur Philip Vaughn. Despite their personal lives taking different paths, both remain active in their charitable efforts and are dedicated to ensuring their children and grandchildren have strong values and a fulfilling life.
Although the divorce remains a painful chapter for Gates, he seems to have learned valuable lessons from the experience. His candid reflection on the mistake of ending his marriage with Melinda shows his regret, but it also highlights his recognition of the importance of personal relationships in the face of success and wealth.
