Bill Gates Reflects on Divorce: ‘The Mistake I Most Regret’

Former Microsoft CEO, Bill Gates, 69, has opened up about his divorce from ex-wife Melinda Gates, describing it as “the mistake I most regret.”

In a candid profile published by The Times of London on January 25, Gates shared how the end of their 27-year marriage in 2021 deeply impacted him but revealed that he now feels “more cheerful.”

Gates and Melinda, 60, who wed in 1994, share three children—Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Reflecting on their relationship, Gates admitted he had hoped to replicate his parents’ 45-year marriage.

“I absolutely wanted that,” he said, noting how they had a strong bond but also acknowledging that Melinda carried most of the parenting responsibilities.

The billionaire philanthropist described their split as a period of “personal sadness” and admitted it remains one of his greatest personal failures.

“The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Gates praised the “wonderfulness” of their shared life, which included co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations.

He expressed disappointment when Melinda chose to leave the foundation after their divorce but acknowledged her contributions during their time together.

Their divorce, finalized in August 2021, has not hindered their ability to co-parent their adult children.

“Melinda and I still see each other—we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” Gates noted. “The kids are doing well. They have good values.”

Melinda, for her part, has spoken about the pain of their separation and the challenges of working alongside Gates post-divorce. “It’s unbelievably painful, in innumerable ways,” she told Fortune in 2022.

While the divorce marked a difficult chapter, both Gates and Melinda have found ways to move forward, focusing on their individual lives and the shared values instilled in their children.

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