Melinda Gates: Divorce, Net Worth, New Relationship & More

When Melinda French Gates announced her divorce from Bill Gates in May 2021, it wasn’t just a personal split—it began reshaping one of the world’s largest philanthropic fortunes. Today, with an estimated net worth of $13 billion, she is charting a new course defined by independence and a sharpened focus on women and families.

Net worth: $13 billion (Forbes 2024) ·
Divorce settlement: ~$8 billion ·
Children: 3 (Jennifer, Rory, Phoebe) ·
Foundation endowment: $75 billion (2023) ·
Age: 60 (born 1964)

Five facts that define Melinda French Gates today:

Why Did Bill Gates Leave Melinda?

Reasons Behind the Divorce

No single, confirmed reason explains the end of a 27-year marriage. The joint statement posted on May 3, 2021, cited “irreconcilable differences” (Realtor.com). In the months that followed, reports surfaced connecting Bill Gates to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and to an affair with a Microsoft employee. Melinda later told The Guardian that meeting Epstein was a moment she “just knew” was evil, though she did not cite it as a direct cause of the divorce.

Timeline of Separation

• May 3, 2021 – Divorce announced
• August 2021 – Divorce finalized
• 2022-2023 – Settlement details emerge gradually

The implication: without a public court record, the precise reasons remain private, but the financial and structural consequences are now visible.

Who Is Bill Gates Living With Now?

Paula Hurd: Bill Gates’ Partner

Since 2023, Bill Gates has been in a relationship with Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. Paula Hurd is a philanthropist and former Olympic swimmer who competed for Australia. The couple has been seen together at public events, including tennis tournaments and family gatherings.

Relationship Timeline

• 2023 – First public sightings together
• 2024 – Attended the Australian Open together
• 2025 – Reports indicate a serious, long-term relationship

The pattern: Bill Gates appears to have moved on publicly, while Melinda French Gates has remained largely out of the dating spotlight.

How Much Did Melinda Gates Inherit from Her Husband?

Divorce Settlement Details

The divorce settlement was one of the largest in history. Melinda received approximately $8 billion in stock and assets, though the exact terms remain private (Investopedia). In 2026, a tax-filing report revealed that Bill Gates made a $7.88 billion transfer to Melinda’s philanthropic foundation as part of the agreement (The New York Times). That transfer was part of a previously promised $12.5 billion commitment for her charitable work, according to Fortune (Fortune). A Pivotal spokesperson confirmed to GeekWire that the $12.5 billion agreement had been fulfilled (GeekWire).

Children’s Inheritance

Bill and Melinda have three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. The children’s inheritance plans are not public, but their parents have stated they intend to leave the vast majority of their wealth to philanthropy rather than to their children. Exact trust structures remain unclear.

The catch: while the $8 billion headline is widely reported, the full settlement may approach $12.5 billion when philanthropic commitments are included. The New York Times noted that about $4.6 billion of the total could still appear in later filings or have moved through private entities (The New York Times).

Did Bill Gates Regret Divorcing Melinda?

Statements from Bill Gates

Bill Gates has not publicly expressed regret about the divorce. In a 2023 interview, he described the period as “a difficult time” but emphasized moving forward. No definitive statement of regret exists; speculation often comes from media interpretations of his body language or offhand comments.

Public Opinion

Surveys and social media chatter suggest a divided public. Some view the divorce as a necessary step for Melinda’s independence, while others question Bill Gates’ character. There is no consensus.

What this means: without a direct admission from Gates, the question of regret remains in the realm of speculation.

What Is Melinda Gates’ Net Worth?

Melinda Gates Foundation Impact

Melinda French Gates’ net worth is estimated at $13 billion as of 2024 (Yahoo Finance). She co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now one of the largest private foundations with $75 billion in assets. In May 2024, she stepped down as co-chair to focus on her own philanthropic work through Pivotal Ventures, which she launched in 2015. After stepping down, she said the $12.5 billion settlement would be used “on behalf of women and families” (Fortune).

Melinda’s Children and Family

Melinda has three children: Jennifer (28), Rory (25), and Phoebe (22). All three have pursued their own careers; Jennifer is a medical student, Rory a computer science graduate, and Phoebe is studying at Stanford. The family remains close, with Melinda often sharing moments on social media.

The trade-off: while Melinda’s net worth is substantial, her wealth is deeply tied to the Gates legacy. The divorce allowed her to redirect her resources toward her own priorities, but the public still largely associates her with her ex-husband.

Melinda French Gates has emerged from the divorce with a clear financial foundation and a renewed philanthropic mission. Her $13 billion net worth, partly built from the $8 billion settlement, now fuels Pivotal Ventures and her stated goal of advancing women and families. For Melinda, the choice is clear: continue building an independent identity, or remain tethered to the Gates name. The evidence suggests she is choosing the former.