Melinda French Gates keeps it real about her split from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. While he's calling it his "biggest mistake," she's not exactly dwelling on the past. In a new interview for Elle's 2025 Women of Impact issue, the 60-year-old philanthropist had the perfect eye-roll response when asked about her ex's regret.
"You've clearly Googled more than I have," she quipped, adding, "Look, divorces are painful, and it's not something I would wish on any family."
© Getty Images for Robin HoodBut here's the kicker: She knew she'd be fine alone. "I knew when I got divorced, I would be okay. And I think that was the most important thing."
The Split That Had Everyone Talking
Bill and Melinda announced their divorce in May 2021 after 27 years of marriage. They share three kids—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22.
Of course, their split came with plenty of speculation, including reports of Bill's alleged infidelity. While he never explicitly admitted to cheating, he did tell TODAY in 2022 that he made "mistakes" and took responsibility for the "pain" he caused his family.
© Getty ImagesFast-forward to January 2025, and Bill elaborated in an interview with The Times of London, saying, "You would have to put [the divorce] at the top of the list" when asked about his biggest regrets.
"The divorce thing was miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years," he added, before reminiscing about how their decades-long marriage kept him "grounded" during his rise to global success.
Bill's Moved On—And So Has Melinda
Bill's public regret tour continued in February 2025, when he told TODAY that while the divorce was painful, he's moved forward, and so has Melinda. "Despite the fact that the divorce wasn't great, having those three kids and the work we were able to do, even if I knew it wouldn't last forever, I would still do it again," he said.
© FilmMagicHe also confirmed he's been dating Paula Hurd, the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, for over a year. During a Today Show appearance on Tuesday, February 4, the billionaire philanthropist told host Savannah Guthrie, "I'm lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula."
Adding, "We're having fun. Going to the Olympics and lots of great things," revealing glimpses of their life together.
© MEGAMeanwhile, Melinda has been thriving in her own right, continuing her philanthropic work and focusing on empowering women and girls worldwide.
In 2022, Melinda, Amal Clooney, and Michelle Obama launched the collaborative effort Girls Opportunity Alliance, supported by the Gates Foundation and the Clooney Foundation for Justice. The initiative is aimed at ending child marriage and supporting women and girls in their pursuit of education.
While Bill might be looking back, she's all about what's ahead.
