Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently opened up about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, sharing his sentiments of regret and reflections on their shared history. The couple, who were married for 27 years, announced their split on May 3, 2021, culminating in their divorce on August 2, 2021. Gates has since revealed this chapter of his life remains his biggest regret.
Speaking to The Times, Gates expressed, "The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years." He acknowledges the difficulty of their separation and how it impacted both their lives. Recalling their time together, he notes, "There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together." This heartfelt observation reflects Gates' recognition of what they built together.
Despite the challenges, Gates emphasized Melinda's influence on his life and career, stating, "When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful – it came during the time we were together." Their philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, founded in 2000, were significant parts of their shared legacy. Nonetheless, the dynamics shifted after their divorce, leading Melinda to depart from the foundation on May 13, 2024, which Gates described as disappointing.
Gates shares, "I was disappointed with her decision to leave the foundation." This statement serves as a reminder of the personal and professional intertwining they navigated together. With three children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe—and two grandchildren, their family connection endures beyond the marriage.
On the personal front, Gates has moved on from this chapter of his life and is currently dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. They had previously been spotted together at various events, but their relationship was officially confirmed to the public in February 2023. Since then, they have made several red carpet appearances, including at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony and social gatherings like Jeff Bezos' engagement party.
Reflecting on this new relationship, Gates has expressed feeling "cheerful" and content. His bond with Hurd, who has her own significant philanthropic endeavors, signifies not just personal happiness after divorce but also the possibility of shared missions beyond their pasts.
Returning to his family, he commented, "I have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events. The kids are doing well. They have good values," reinforcing how important family remains to him. This perspective shows Gates striving for normalcy and connection, even amid life’s upheavals.
While Gates had grand visions inspired by his parents' long-lasting marriage, the outcome with Melinda did not mirror those hopes. He admitted, "There are others [regrets] but none matter," underlining the prominence of his divorce among his life experiences. Yet, he continues to embrace what is next with Paula Hurd, indicating he is ready for this new phase.
Gates' upcoming memoir, Source Code, touches on these reflections and the evolution of his life from childhood through the early Microsoft years to the present day. The memoir serves as both personal narrative and allows readers insight behind the success of one of the world's most well-known entrepreneurs.
Through all the highs and lows, Bill Gates stands as more than just the tech mogul; he is also just human—navigated by failures, successes, love, and the importance of family. His candidness about his past reminds us of the complex layers of personal relationships, even for someone who has changed the world through technology.