Bill and Melinda Gates’s divorce shocked the world after 27 years of marriage, given their image as a powerful philanthropic couple.
They met in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft, eventually marrying in 1994 and establishing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. Over the years, they became known for their humanitarian efforts, from global health to education initiatives, and shared many personal milestones, such as raising three children and being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, behind their public success, their relationship faced challenges. Reports suggest they may have stayed together for the sake of their children, but after their youngest daughter graduated, they decided to part ways. Rumors swirled about Bill Gates’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein and an unusual arrangement allowing him annual vacations with his ex-girlfriend Anne Winblad, which Melinda reportedly accepted. Despite these issues, Melinda described the split as the result of multiple factors, and both Gateses have remained committed to their foundation’s mission post-divorce.