Bill Gates Says Divorcing Ex-Wife Melinda Gates Was ‘The Mistake I Most Regret’

Bill Gates Opens Up About His Divorce from Melinda Gates: ‘The Mistake I Most Regret’

Bill Gates, the tech billionaire and philanthropist, has publicly reflected on one of the most difficult chapters of his life: his divorce from Melinda Gates. In a candid interview with The Times of London, published on January 25, Bill, 69, expressed deep regret over the end of his 27-year marriage, calling it “the mistake I most regret.” Despite the emotional toll the divorce took on him, Bill said he feels "more cheerful now" and is finding new perspectives on life.

The Gates’ divorce, which was confirmed in May 2021, marked the end of a relationship that spanned over two decades and produced three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. Bill and Melinda, who tied the knot in 1994, had been one of the most prominent power couples in the world, building their wealth, family, and philanthropic empire together.

In his interview, Bill shared that he had always hoped to mirror the long-lasting love his parents shared during their 45-year marriage. He also acknowledged that while Melinda was often the one to take on the majority of the family responsibilities, they both worked hard to raise their children and build a life together. “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,” Bill said, reflecting on the bond they shared. “When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together. So, she saw me through a lot.”

Their relationship began in 1987 when Melinda joined Bill’s Microsoft team. Over the years, the couple not only raised a family but also co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest and most impactful philanthropic organizations. Following their divorce, Melinda stepped away from the foundation, a decision that Bill admitted disappointed him, though he understood it was her choice.

The divorce, which was finalized in August 2021, has been a source of personal anguish for Bill, who called it one of his "biggest adult failures." “You would have to put that at the top of the list,” he confessed. “There are others but none that matter. The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”

Despite the pain, Bill and Melinda have managed to maintain a cooperative relationship for the sake of their children and grandchildren. Bill confirmed that they still interact regularly, especially at family gatherings. “Melinda and I still see each other — we have three kids and two grandchildren so there are family events,” Bill said. “The kids are doing well. They have good values.”

Melinda, too, has spoken about the emotional challenges of the breakup. In a 2022 interview with Fortune, she shared how painful it was to navigate such a personal ordeal while continuing to work alongside Bill. “It’s unbelievably painful, in innumerable ways, but I had the privacy to get through it,” she said. “I also kept working with the person I was moving away from, and I need to show up and be my best self every single day.”

As Bill reflects on the past, it's clear that he views the dissolution of his marriage as a deeply regretful moment in his life, but one that he is moving forward from. While the pain lingers, both Bill and Melinda appear to have made peace with the situation, finding new ways to prioritize their family and the values they instilled in their children.

This revelation from Bill Gates offers a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of one of the world's most influential figures. His openness about regret and healing serves as a reminder that even those who seem to have it all face challenging moments in their lives — and sometimes, those moments help shape the person they become.