Bill Gates has opened up about his split from Melinda French Gates, describing their divorce after 27 years of marriage as the greatest regret of his life.
In an interview with The Times of London, the Microsoft co-founder, 69, shared his thoughts on the dissolution of their marriage, admitting, “I’m more cheerful now,” but added, “The unravelling of my marriage is the mistake I most regret.”
Gates acknowledged that while he has experienced other failures, none weigh as heavily on him as his divorce from Melinda, 60. “There are others, but none that matter,” he said. “The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”
Despite the challenges, the pair have maintained a cordial relationship as co-parents and grandparents. “Melinda and I still see each other we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” Gates said. “The kids are doing well. They have good values.”
The billionaire reflected on the significant role their marriage played during his journey to building Microsoft into a trillion-dollar company. “Our marriage kept me grounded,” he revealed.
Bill and Melinda Gates were married in 1994 and share three children: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. They confirmed their divorce in May 2021, although they had been separated for a year prior to the announcement.
Now both dating other people, the former couple has shown resilience in co-navigating their post-divorce family life, even as Gates openly grapples with the weight of what he considers his biggest mistake.
