Bill Gates has opened up about his divorce from Melinda Gates, calling it his greatest regret
In a recent interview, the Microsoft co-founder, 69, described the split as “the mistake I most regret,” although he also expressed feeling “more cheerful now.”
While acknowledging other personal shortcomings, Gates emphasized that none were as significant as his divorce. “There are others but none that matter,” he said, expressing a more optimistic view of the future. “I’m more cheerful now,” he shared with The Times of London.
The couple, who married in 1994, announced their separation in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage. They have three children: Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22.
Reflecting on his time with Melinda, 60, Gates spoke of the deep bond formed over decades of shared memories and experiences. “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person because of the memories and depth of things you have done and having kids together,” he noted.
Gates also acknowledged the role Melinda played in his life from the moment they met in 1987 at Microsoft. “She saw me through a lot,” he said, recalling their years together raising children and working on their philanthropic foundation.
Although Gates admired his parents’ 45-year marriage, he admitted that he fell short in some areas of his own relationship with Melinda. “I encouraged Melinda to be a little calmer than my mother was, but we were both quite driven,” he explained. He also acknowledged that Melinda took on much of the parenting responsibilities. “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.”
Despite their separation, Gates emphasized that family remains a priority. “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.
The divorce was a difficult period for both Gates and Melinda. He admitted that it was “miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years” and expressed disappointment when Melinda decided to leave the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after their separation. “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.
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