Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates calls his divorce from Melinda after 27 years of marriage his biggest regret.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has finally spoken about his divorce from Melinda Gates after more than two decades of marriage. “That was the mistake I most regret,” Bill, 69, said in an interview with The Times on Saturday. Despite his disappointment, the billionaire philanthropist admitted he feels “more cheerful now.”
Then there is this fact. He also said he had “absolutely” hoped to have a 45-year marriage like his parents to Melinda. “I encouraged Melinda to be a bit calmer than my mother was, but we were both quite driven. I spent more time with the kids than my dad, but the ratio was still 10:1, with Melinda doing most of the parenting. We had a wonderful time,” he said.
The tech visionary added, “There’s something extraordinary about spending your adult life with one person. The shared memories, the depth of what you’ve accomplished together, and having children—it’s all quite special. When Melinda and I met, I was already fairly successful, but not outrageously so—that happened during our time together. She stood by me through it all.”
Bill and Melinda met in 1987 when she joined Microsoft as an employee. After being married, the couple left the house to co-found the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. After their divorce, Melinda decided to leave the foundation, which left Bill disappointed. When we divorced, it was tough. Then she moved away from the foundation, which disappointed me, ” said Bill.
