In a candid podcast interview with Jay Shetty, Melinda French Gates revealed the deeply personal struggles and reflections surrounding her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. After 27 years of marriage, the philanthropist spoke about the immense difficulty of parting ways, citing a lack of trust as a pivotal issue in their relationship.
“I had thought I was going to be married for life. I thought I’d be married for 50-plus years,” French Gates shared, expressing her profound disappointment that despite efforts and counseling, the trust she believed in no longer existed. She described the divorce as the “hardest thing” she had ever experienced, admitting to shedding countless tears and relying on faith and support from close friends and therapists to navigate through the turmoil.
Reflecting on the public revelation of their separation before finalizing proceedings, French Gates emphasized the additional challenges it brought to an already tumultuous period. Despite the pain, she acknowledged that there can be beauty on the other side once the rough patches are overcome, hinting at a sense of resilience and hope for the future.
In addition to her personal struggles, French Gates addressed her decision to step down as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a role she held alongside Bill Gates. She announced her resignation effective June 7, emphasizing that the timing was right for her to embark on the next chapter of her philanthropic journey independently.
“This wasn’t a decision I came to lightly,” French Gates stated, highlighting her commitment to continue her work in support of women and families. Under the terms of her agreement with Bill Gates, she will have an additional $12.5 billion to allocate towards her philanthropic endeavors, a move she described as pivotal in her dedication to making a positive impact.
Sources By Agencies
