Melinda Gates talks divorce with brutal honesty: ‘I just knew it’

After 27 years of marriage and three children together, Melinda and Bill Gates announced their separation in May 2021. The news shocked the world, not just because they were one of the most influential couples, but because of what they shared: a massive fortune and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the most powerful and impactful philanthropic efforts out there. The divorce was finalized in August of that same year, but it’s only now that Melinda is speaking openly about the moment she knew without a doubt that her story with Bill was over.

Over the years, their relationship remained cordial, and for a while, they continued working together until she stepped away from their joint foundation in 2024. Even though both have spoken calmly about the split, Melinda has been the more open of the two, often emphasizing that a lack of trust was one of the main reasons behind the breakup.

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In a recent interview on Elizabeth Day’s podcast “How to Fail,” Melinda Gates shared the exact moment she knew her marriage to Bill Gates was over. Despite initially disregarding the warning signs and attempting to maintain the relationship for the benefit of their three children and their joint work at the foundation, Melinda conceded that the revelation of Bill’s infidelity made the truth unavoidable. “At some point I had to turn towards it, and I just knew it.” 

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She emphasized the need to trust your gut, even if it leads to pain, despite how hard the choice was. From that moment on, Melinda prioritized her well-being and her children, acknowledging that the relationship was filled with love, but the process of breaking up was challenging. “I was raising three children. We had a foundation, and that was big, and I believed in that work. I still believe in the work of the foundation.”

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Since then, Melinda has embraced a new chapter of personal and professional growth. She is currently in a relationship with tech entrepreneur Philip Vaughn, while Bill is dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle co-CEO Mark Hurd.

Melinda remains focused on her humanitarian work through Pivotal Ventures, her organization dedicated to empowering women and driving social change.