Bill Gates finally speaks publicly about his relationship with Paula Hurd. During a Today Show appearance on Tuesday, February 4, the billionaire philanthropist shared his happiness, telling host Savannah Guthrie, "I'm lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula."
The 69-year-old Microsoft co-founder added, "We're having fun. Going to the Olympics and lots of great things," revealing glimpses of their life together.
© GC ImagesA Relationship Years in the Making
Gates and Hurd were first linked in 2023, four years after the passing of her late husband, former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, and two years after Gates' divorce from ex-wife Melinda French Gates. Since then, Paula Hurd has been by Gates' side at several high-profile events, including the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
© FilmMagicReflecting on His Divorce
Gates' Today appearance followed an interview with The Times of London, where he called his 2021 divorce from Melinda "the mistake I most regret." However, he later clarified his statement, explaining that while the separation was difficult, he wouldn't change their time together. "Despite the fact that the divorce wasn't great, having those three kids, the work we were able to do together—even if I knew that it [wouldn't] last forever, I would still do it again," he shared.
© GettyImages"My business career, though there've been some ups and downs, has been incredibly phenomenal. My kids are phenomenal. So it's even hard for me to complain about things," he added. "I've moved past the divorce, and Melinda's doing well. I've got a lot of work that I love to do. So I'm not really complaining about anything."
A Marriage That Shaped Him
Gates and Melinda French Gates were married for 27 years before their divorce, during which they raised three children—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22. They are also proud grandparents to Jennifer's daughters, Leila and Mia.
In his Times interview, Gates acknowledged his marriage's profound impact on his life and career. "You don't end up with a Microsoft result, being on top of the world, unless an unbelievable number of things converge," he reflected. "My marriage to Melinda kept me grounded."
© GC ImagesTheir partnership extended beyond family life, as they co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Melinda's 2023 departure as co-chair marked another major transition for Bill, who admitted, "I was disappointed that she took the option to go off."
Despite the challenges, Gates maintains that he wouldn't have changed a thing about his marriage. "From my point of view, it was a great marriage. I wouldn't have changed it. I wouldn't choose to marry someone else."
Now, as he enjoys a new chapter with Paula Hurd and continues his philanthropic efforts through the Gates Foundation, it's clear Bill Gates is embracing his past and future.
