Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has publicly opened up about his relationship with Paula Hurd, describing her as his 'serious girlfriend.' During his recent appearance on the Today show, the 69-year-old billionaire expressed his happiness, saying, "I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics, and lots of great things together." This marks Gates' first detailed commentary on his new relationship, which has attracted considerable public attention.
Paula Hurd, 62, who previously was married to Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Oracle, has a burgeoning profile of her own. Mark Hurd passed away in October 2019 after nearly 30 years of marriage to Paula. Together, they had two daughters. Since their relationship first became public, Gates and Hurd have been seen together at several high-profile events, the most notable being the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gates and Paula, who have reportedly been dating since 2022, made their relationship official early this year. They were spotted together at various social gatherings prior to the formal acknowledgment, including the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, where they made their red carpet debut.
Reflecting on his past marriage to Melinda French Gates, which ended famously in 2021, Gates expressed regret about the split, calling it "the mistake I most regret." He stated, "The divorce wasn’t great. Having those three kids, the work we were able to do together—even if I knew it wouldn’t last forever, I would still do it again." The couple shares three children: Rory, Jennifer, and Phoebe, continuing to co-parent effectively.
Throughout his time on the Today show, Gates acknowledged the personal changes and emotional recovery he has experienced since the divorce. He confessed, "I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility," referring to the factors leading to his marriage's end, including his past associations and personal shortcomings.
On the other hand, Paula Hurd has made significant contributions to philanthropy and education, much like Gates. She serves as the chairwoman of the Universal Tennis Foundation and was instrumental alongside her late husband, Mark, in supporting Baylor University, where they established the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center and the Hurd Tennis Center. Hurd’s philanthropic efforts have also included significant financial support for the new Baylor Basketball Pavilion, contributing $7 million which features the Mark and Paula Hurd Floor.
Hurd, who graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in business administration, initially built her career at the National Cash Register, playing pivotal roles in sales and alliance management. Her focus on philanthropy and community service has only strengthened alongside her relationship with Gates.
While Bill Gates continues to juggle his philanthropic commitments through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he now embraces this new chapter with Hurd. He acknowledged Paula’s support not only personally but also professionally, as she provided feedback during the writing of his memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, where he dedicated some thoughts to her contributions.
The couple shares common interests, particularly their love for sports, especially tennis. Gates stated humorously about their shared activities: "We’re having fun going to the Olympics and lots of great things." This mutual appreciation for athletic endeavors has seemingly enhanced their connection.
Despite this new happiness, Gates did not shy away from discussing the pain of his past. The tech mogul admitted it was difficult to navigate through the separation and the impact it had on him and Melinda. He noted the decision by Melinda to leave the joint foundation after their split deeply affected him, demonstrating the complicated emotional nuances behind their public personas.
With the relationship between Bill Gates and Paula Hurd now at the forefront, the couple’s story highlights how they are finding joy and companionship after the grief of past losses. Gates' openness about his experience offers a refreshing lens on the complex realities of love and relationships, showing not just triumph over adversity but also the continuing drive to engage positively with the world around them.
While the public is eager for updates on this new pairing, it speaks volumes about resilience and the potential for new beginnings, even after facing significant life challenges. Their shared experiences and commitments suggest they may forge a meaningful partnership—one characterized by mutual support, philanthropic passion, and perhaps, love.