Melinda Gates has responded to her ex-husband Bill Gates’s recent comments about their divorce, which he described earlier this year as “the mistake I most regret.”
In an interview for Elle’s 2025 Women of Impact issue, published on March 17, Melinda addressed Bill’s remarks with candidness and grace.
When asked about his comments, Melinda quipped, “You’ve clearly Googled more than I have,” before rolling her eyes and adding, “Look, divorces are painful, and it’s not something I would wish on any family.”
She acknowledged the difficulty of her decision, stating, “Leaving my marriage was one of the most difficult, but important things I’ve done in my life.”
Bill Gates, in his interview with The Times earlier this year, described his divorce from Melinda after 27 years of marriage as his “top regret.”
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He mentioned that the divorce caused “miserable” years for both him and Melinda. However, he emphasized that despite the painful separation, the two remain on good terms and continue to co-parent their three children—Jennifer, 28, Rory, 25, and Phoebe, 22.
Bill also shared that he and Melinda still meet frequently for family events, including gatherings with their children and two grandchildren.
Despite the personal turmoil that led to their separation, Bill spoke positively about their family, saying, “The kids are doing well. They have good values.”
In contrast to Bill’s reflection on the divorce, Melinda’s response highlights her perspective on their past. While she acknowledged the pain and difficulty of the split, she also emphasized that it was a necessary step in her personal journey.
The former couple, who tied the knot in 1994, have remained committed to their shared responsibilities as parents and philanthropists.
