In a rare and candid interview with The Times of London, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, now 67, opened up about his life’s most significant regret: his divorce from Melinda French Gates, with whom he was married for 27 years. Despite his immense success in business and philanthropy, Gates described the end of his marriage as a painful chapter that continues to weigh heavily on him.
“I regret the divorce the most… there are other regrets, but none that matter,” Gates admitted. “The divorce was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.” His words offered an intimate look into the emotional toll of the breakup on him and his former wife.
The Gates couple, who tied the knot in 1994 and share three children—Jennifer, 28; Rory, 25; and Phoebe, 22—quietly separated in May 2020. The public announcement of their divorce followed in 2021. Despite the painful split, Bill and Melinda have since found a way to maintain an amicable relationship. They continue collaborating on their shared philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, even as their personal lives have evolved.
The couple’s divorce sparked rumors and speculation, particularly around allegations of infidelity. Bill Gates briefly addressed this in 2023, acknowledging that he had “certainly made mistakes” and taking responsibility for them. “I regret the divorce the most… there are other regrets, but none that matter,” he said, reflecting on a challenging period in his life.
Melinda Gates, for her part, has also been vocal about some of the events surrounding their marriage. In 2022, during an interview with Gayle King, she revealed that she had strongly disapproved of Bill’s meetings with convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. “I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no,” she said, before describing Epstein as “abhorrent” and “evil personified.”
Despite the challenges of their personal lives, both Bill and Melinda Gates have moved forward. Bill has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle co-CEO Mark Hurd, for about two years. Meanwhile, Melinda French Gates confirmed in October 2024 that she is dating Seattle-based tech entrepreneur Philip Vaughn. The two were spotted together in New York City, sparking interest from those following their journeys.
While Melinda resigned from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2024, both remain active in their children’s lives and continue to meet at family events, often surrounded by their growing families, including grandchildren. Their three children have also moved forward with their own lives—Jennifer is married with two children, Leila and Mia, while Rory and Phoebe continue to pursue their passions.
As Gates reflected on his past, he acknowledged both the personal mistakes and the professional successes that have shaped his life. Yet, it is the pain of the divorce that remains the most poignant regret for the billionaire philanthropist, a chapter that continues to influence his personal growth and his perspective on life.
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