Bill and Melinda Gates announce divorce after 27 years

NEW YORK, NY

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda Gates, will separate after 27 years together, the billionaire announced on Monday via Twitter, ending a marriage that launched an influential globe-spanning philanthropic and humanitarian empire.

via Twitter, Bill Gates— “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” Bill and Melinda Gates said in a statement. “Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.”

The couple said they would continue their work at the Gates Foundation, but said “we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives.”

Bill Gates is the fourth richest person in the world with a net worth of over $130 billion, according to Forbes. He has donated some $35.8 billion in Microsoft stock to his foundation.

LAST UPDATE: May 5th, 2021 02:55 pm

• Bill Gates
• Melinda Gates