Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, has opened up about his divorce from his ex-wife Melinda in 2021, calling it the “greatest regret” of his life.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of London, the 69-year-old tech mogul reflected on the emotional toll of the split, admitting it stands out as his most significant failure.
Gates, who once admired the enduring 45-year marriage of his parents, expressed disappointment that he couldn’t replicate that example in his own life. “You would have to put that at the top of the list. There are others, but none that matter,” Gates said. “The divorce was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years. It’s a mistake I most regret.”
Despite the difficult ending to their marriage, Gates revealed that he and Melinda continue to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their three children and two grandchildren. “Melinda and I still see each other — we have family events. The kids are doing well and they have good values,” he shared.
The couple’s journey together began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager. They married in a private ceremony in Hawaii in 1994 and went on to co-found the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, a globally influential charity aimed at combating poverty and disease.
In May 2024, Melinda stepped down from her role at the Foundation, marking a new chapter in both her personal and professional life. Despite their divorce, Gates and Melinda continue to share a deep commitment to their philanthropic endeavors, with their legacy of charitable work still a major part of their shared history.
