Bill Gates, the 69-year-old former CEO of Microsoft, has candidly opened up about his divorce from Melinda French Gates, describing it as “the mistake I most regret.” Despite the emotional challenges of the split, Gates revealed he feels “more cheerful now.”
Details of his reflections were featured in a “candid profile” published on Saturday, January 25, by The Times of London, as cited in multiple reports, including YEPS News, on Sunday.
The couple, who announced their separation in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage, officially finalized their divorce in August of the same year. They share three children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe—and co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations.
A Marriage Filled with Aspirations and Challenges
Speaking to The Times, Gates shared that he had aspired to emulate his parents’ 45-year marriage. “I absolutely wanted that,” he admitted. Reflecting on their relationship dynamics, he noted, “I encouraged Melinda to be a little calmer than my mother was, but we were both quite driven. I spent more time with the kids than my dad did, but the ratio was still 10:1, with Melinda doing most things for the kids. We had a great time.”
Gates also acknowledged the unique bond they shared: “There’s a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories, depth of experiences, and raising kids together.”
Their relationship began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft, and they married in 1994. Together, they navigated both personal and professional successes, with Gates becoming “ridiculously successful” during their time together.
Divorce: A Personal and Professional Struggle
Describing their divorce, Gates said, “You would have to put that at the top of the list” of personal failures. He called the separation “miserable” for both himself and Melinda, lasting at least two years.
The split also impacted their work dynamic. Gates admitted he was disappointed when Melinda chose to step back from the foundation after their divorce. “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.
Despite these challenges, the two have maintained a co-parenting partnership, attending family events together for their three children and two grandchildren. “Melinda and I still see each other—we have family events, and the kids are doing well. They have good values,” Gates shared.
Melinda’s Post-Divorce Journey
Melinda French Gates has also spoken publicly about the pain of their separation. In an interview with Fortune in October 2022, she called the experience “unbelievably painful, in innumerable ways.”
She also reflected on the challenges of continuing to work alongside Gates after their separation: “I kept working with the person I was moving away from and had to show up and be my best self every single day. Even though I might be crying at 9 a.m., I’d have to be on a videoconference at 10 a.m. with the person I’m leaving.”
Despite the difficulties, both Gates and Melinda have expressed a commitment to their shared values and responsibilities, particularly in raising their children and managing their philanthropic efforts.