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Bill Gates has opened up about his biggest regret in life, and it’s a deeply personal one — his divorce from Melinda Gates.
In an interview with the Times of London published on Saturday, January 25, Gates, 69, acknowledged that while life has moved on in many ways, the end of his marriage remains the “mistake [he] most regret[s].”
The Microsoft co-founder emphasized how much the breakdown of his relationship with Melinda, 60, still weighs on him. When asked if he had any other failures in life, Gates said, “You would have to put that at the top of the list. There are others but none that matter.” The billionaire added that it was one of the most painful chapters of his life, saying, “the divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years.”
Bill Gates attends the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Bill Gates attends the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. John Nacion/Getty Images
Despite the end of their marriage, Gates and Melinda have continued to maintain a friendly and cooperative relationship. They share three children — Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22 — and two grandchildren, and family events still bring them together. “Melinda and I still see each other,” Gates said to the outlet.
Their split was announced in May 2021 after a year of separation. Despite the end of their marriage, both Bill and Melinda have found new relationships. Bill has been dating Paula Hurd, widow of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, since 2023, while Melinda has been seen with her boyfriend Philip Vaughn.
Melinda Gates and Bill Gates speak during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen. Melinda Gates and Bill Gates speak during “One World: Together At Home” presented by Global Citizen. Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen
The duo’s nonprofit, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, rebranded to the Gates Foundation in January 2025. CEO Mark Suzman initially announced in May 2024 that the name change honors Bill Sr.’s legacy and Melinda’s contributions, with Bill taking on the role of sole chair.
Melinda, who resigned as co-chair, will focus on her own philanthropic efforts, committing $12.5 billion to support women and families. “The time is right for me to move forward into the next chapter of my philanthropy,” she said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
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