Bill Gates opened up about his emotional struggles and challenges during his divorce from ex-wife Melinda, expressing regret.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, recently shared his feelings about his divorce from his ex-wife, Melinda.
The couple was married for 27 years before they decided to separate in 2021.
Gates reflected on this difficult time in a recent interview, calling it one of his biggest life failures.
Bill Gates opens up about the heartbreaking truth behind his divorce from Melinda
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Gates spoke honestly about the end of his marriage.
He described the divorce as a “miserable” experience that lasted for two years.
Although he and Melinda have managed to stay on good terms, he admitted that the process was very hard for both of them.
Gates expressed regret over the divorce, stating that it is the “mistake” he regrets the most in his life.
Gates mentioned that spending so many years with one person creates a special bond.
He said, “There is a certain wonderfulness to spending your entire adult life with one person.”
He acknowledged that Melinda supported him during his rise to success, and their relatio
Since their separation, Gates has started dating again. He has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd since 2023.
Despite moving on, he still feels the impact of his divorce. Gates noted that there were family events to consider, as they share three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe.
The couple is committed to co-parenting and ensuring their children are doing well.
Gates and Melinda’s children are adults now, each pursuing their own paths.
Gates expressed pride in their children, saying they have good values. He mentioned that family gatherings are still a part of their lives, highlighting the importance of family even after the divorce.
“When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together”, he said.
“So, she saw me through a lot. 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.”
Melinda’s perspective
While Gates has reflected on his feelings, Melinda has also shared her thoughts on their relationship.
She discussed how things changed over time and how she realized the relationship was no longer healthy.
In a previous interview, she stated, “It wasn’t one moment or one specific thing that happened.” This gradual decline made her recognize that trust was lost.
Melinda has been open about the pain of divorce, describing it as “horrible” and “awful.”
She indicated how difficult it is to conclude that a marriage needs to end.
Both Gates and Melinda have emphasized their admiration for each other, despite their differences.
She said: “It wasn’t one moment or one specific thing that happened.
“There just came a point in time where there was enough there that I realised it wasn’t healthy and I couldn’t trust what we had.”
Acknowledging the past
Gates has taken responsibility for his actions during their marriage.
He admitted to having an affair with an employee, which contributed to the strain in their relationship.
He expressed sorrow for the pain he caused Melinda and their family.
Gates said, “I will always be sorry for the pain that I caused Melinda and our family.”
Despite the challenges, Gates continues to appreciate Melinda’s work and contributions.
He admires her efforts to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.
The couple remains connected through their philanthropic work at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
She said: “It wasn’t one moment or one specific thing that happened.
“There just came a point in time where there was enough there that I realised it wasn’t healthy and I couldn’t trust what we had.”
Moving forward
As both Gates and Melinda navigate their new lives, they continue to focus on their family and shared goals.
They have both expressed a desire to maintain a positive relationship for the sake of their children and the foundation they built together.
Reflecting on his experience, Gates understands the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication.
He hopes to use his experiences to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.