Melinda Gates Breaks Silence on Ex-Husband’s ‘Biggest Regret’ Comment

The aftermath of a billion-dollar breakup continues to unfold as Melinda Gates finally addresses her ex-husband’s very public regrets about their divorce. In a refreshingly candid new interview with Elle magazine, Melinda offers a glimpse into her life after walking away from her 27-year marriage to Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

The high-profile split, which shocked the world in May 2021, recently made headlines again when Bill Gates described the divorce as “the mistake [he] most regrets” in his 69 years of life during a January 2025 interview with The Times.

“Painful But Necessary” – Melinda’s Powerful Response

When confronted with reports questioning whether reconciliation might be in the cards following Bill’s expression of regret, Melinda offered a surprisingly candid response: “You’ve clearly Googled more than I have.”

The philanthropist didn’t mince words about the emotional toll of their separation. “Look, divorces are painful, and it’s not something I would wish on any family,” she admitted in the Elle interview.

However, Melinda made it clear that despite the difficulties, ending the marriage was a necessary step for her wellbeing. She described leaving the relationship as simultaneously one of the hardest and most important things she’s ever done.

A Legacy Beyond Marriage

The Gates’ partnership extended far beyond their personal relationship. Throughout their nearly three decades together, Bill and Melinda became two of the world’s most influential philanthropists, establishing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation which has invested billions in fighting global poverty and disease.

Their shared passion for improving access to vaccines for children and combating inequality made their split all the more surprising to outsiders. Yet in previous interviews, Melinda has revealed that the relationship had reached a point that was “no longer healthy,” explaining she “couldn’t trust what they had.”

The Foundation Split That Followed

In May 2024, Melinda took another significant step by resigning from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—a decision that Bill admitted was “tough” for him when he spoke with The Times.

“When we got divorced it was tough and then she made the decision to leave the foundation—I was disappointed that she took the option to go off,” Bill confessed in his January interview, where he also reflected on their shared journey: “When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful—that came during the time that we were together.”

“Just Thriving” – Melinda’s Vision For Her Future

Perhaps the most revealing part of Melinda’s Elle interview came when she was asked what she hoped people would find upon Googling her five years from now. Her response was both simple and powerful: “She’s thriving on the other side of a divorce. Just thriving.”

This forward-looking attitude is already manifesting in her actions. Since the split, Melinda has committed an astounding $2 billion to “expanding women’s power and influence” both domestically and internationally—signaling her intention to forge her own philanthropic path separate from the foundation she co-created with Bill.

The mother of three (Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe) appears determined to create a legacy that stands independently from her decades-long partnership with one of the world’s richest men. Her focus on women’s empowerment could represent both a personal and professional new chapter.

Moving Forward While Honoring The Past

Despite the pain of their separation and Bill’s public expression of regret, both Gates seem committed to preserving the dignity of their shared history. Neither has engaged in the kind of public mudslinging that often characterizes high-profile divorces.

This mutual respect likely stems from their ongoing commitment to the philanthropic causes they championed together, as well as their shared role as parents to their three adult children.

Whether Bill’s expression of regret signals genuine hope for reconciliation or simply honest reflection remains unclear. What is evident, however, is Melinda’s determination to embrace her independent future—one where she defines success on her own terms, beyond the shadow of her famous marriage.

As the Gates continue to navigate their post-divorce relationship in the public eye, their handling of this transitional chapter offers a masterclass in maintaining dignity amidst personal pain. For Melinda, at least, the path forward seems clear: thriving, not just surviving, in her next chapter.