“My parents were married for 45 years,” Bill Gates shared in a revealing interview with The Times of London, reflecting on his 2021 divorce from Melinda French Gates. “I always aspired to have the same.” For the 69-year-old billionaire, the dissolution of his 27-year-long marriage remains the greatest regret of his life, a painful departure from the ideals he cherished.
Bill Gates and Melinda, now 60, first met in 1987 when she joined Microsoft as a product manager. They married in Hawaii in 1994 and worked together to establish the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. Yet, despite their shared successes, their marriage ended, leaving Bill Gates grappling with the emotional consequences of their separation.
“There Was a Certain Wonderfulness in Our Life Together”
“I believe there is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person,” Bill Gates said as he described the joys and challenges of their partnership. The couple shared not only personal milestones but also professional ambitions, building a family and tackling global challenges through their foundation.
However, Bill Gates admitted that the balance of responsibilities leaned heavily toward Melinda, especially when it came to raising their three children. “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,” he revealed, highlighting her pivotal role in their family life.
“The Divorce Was Miserable for Both of Us”
“The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years,” Bill Gates confessed. For the tech mogul, the emotional toll of their separation has been immense. “It’s the mistake I most regret,” he admitted, reflecting on the pain of losing a partnership that spanned nearly three decades.
Although their marriage ended, Bill Gates emphasized that their shared responsibilities as parents and grandparents have kept them connected. “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,” he shared, expressing pride in their children’s resilience.
“I Was Disappointed When Melinda Left 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,” Bill Gates admitted. Melinda stepped down from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in May 2024, marking a significant shift in their shared mission.
The foundation, which focuses on eradicating global poverty and combating diseases, was a cornerstone of their marriage and professional partnership. Despite her departure, Bill Gates remains committed to their philanthropic goals, even as he navigates the void left by her absence.
“She Saw Me Through a Lot”
“When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful—that came during the time that we were together,” Bill Gates reflected, acknowledging the pivotal role she played during his rise to global prominence. “She saw me through a lot,” he added, underscoring the depth of their bond.
Yet, even with their shared memories and accomplishments, the divorce marked a painful chapter in Bill Gates’ life. “There are other mistakes, but none that matter,” he said, placing his regret over the divorce at the forefront of his reflections on failure.
“Our Family Is Still Our Greatest Achievement”
“Despite everything, Melinda and I share a deep commitment to our family,” Bill Gates said, emphasizing the enduring connection they maintain through their children and grandchildren. “We had a great time raising them together, and they’ve grown up with good values.”
As Bill Gates continues his philanthropic endeavors, he remains introspective about the personal lessons learned from his marriage and divorce. His reflections serve as a poignant reminder that even the most successful individuals face struggles, regrets, and the ongoing pursuit of balance between personal fulfillment and professional ambition.
