Bill Gates Reveals Shocking Inheritance Amount for His Kids – You Won’t Believe It!

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Bill Gates isn’t leaving his children as much of his money as one might think.

The Microsoft co-founder, who has children Jennifer (age 28), Rory (age 25), and Phoebe (age 22) with his former wife Melinda French Gates, discussed the reason behind his decision to leave only a modest portion of his substantial wealth to his heirs. He pondered on the common practice among wealthy families in passing down their assets.

He stated during the March 29th episode of the “Figuring Out with Raj Shamani” podcast, “Each person has the authority to make that decision for themselves.” In his situation, his children received a wonderful upbringing and education, but only a tiny fraction, less than one percent, of the overall wealth is theirs.

Even though the fraction would represent a massive amount – around $1.08 billion given Bill’s estimated net worth of $108 billion in 2025, as reported by Forbes – Bill, who is 69 years old, believes that giving them any more wouldn’t benefit his children.

He went on to say, “It’s not about establishing a dynasty. I’m not trying to pass down Microsoft to them; instead, I want to provide them with an opportunity to build their own wealth and achieve success, making their own mark without being overshadowed by the good fortune I’ve had.

However, this benefactor, who established The Gates Foundation alongside Melinda in 2000, also emphasized that openness has played a crucial role in his strategic approach to estate management.

He emphasized, “I want my children to always understand my unwavering support and love for them. Therefore, I believe it’s important to articulate my belief in treating all of them equally and providing them with extraordinary opportunities. However, the ultimate purpose of these resources is to help those most in need, through our foundation.

Concerning Melinda, who parted ways with Bill in 2021 following a 27-year marriage, they had previously adopted an alternative approach when it came to their children’s paths. They gave them the option to decide if they wanted to carry on the “Gates” surname or not.

She shared with Elle magazine in March, “I continually tried to ground them in reality and highlight things for them as much as I could. We had open conversations about how unique our family is, but please don’t see yourself as superior due to that.

Keep reading to see where Bill and Melinda stand among the most expensive celebrity splits…

The golfer’s image crumbled when it emerged that he had multiple extramarital affairs with more than a few women. He and his wife, Swedish model Elin Nordegren, officially ended their marriage in August 2010 after being together for close to six years and sharing two children. It is said that Tiger paid an astonishing $750 million during their divorce, although the exact settlement amount remains undisclosed.

The phrase “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” might be misleading… or perhaps not? When Jennifer Lopez hired Cris Judd to direct her music video, they got married in September 2001. However, their marriage lasted less than a year before she filed for divorce from him, her former choreographer, due to irreconcilable differences. Despite keeping the details private, rumors suggest that Jennifer Lopez paid around $14 million as part of the settlement.

It appears that in one of Hollywood’s costliest divorces so far, Mel’s spouse of 28 years, Robyn Gibson, is said to have gotten half of Mel’s $850 million fortune due to the absence of a prenuptial agreement. The couple had seven children together, and according to TopMob News, they spent a span of two years working out their settlement.

It was typically unconventional of Madge to be the one giving money to her former spouse – in this instance, it was Madonna who paid ex-husband Guy Ritchie after their divorce. Their marriage ended in 2008, and remarkably, they did not have a prenuptial agreement. The reported amount ranged from $72 million to $92 million, according to Madonna’s representative at the time.

Moving from the church to the courtroom, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills exchanged vows in 2002. However, their marriage lasted only four years before they parted ways in 2006. After a series of legal disputes, it was reported that Mills received approximately $48.7 million from McCartney’s wealth when the divorce became final in 2008. Furthermore, Mills allegedly received an extra $70,000 per month for their daughter, Beatrice, who was only 4 years old at the time.

In a grand wedding in 1977, Donald and Ivana exchanged vows, but their marriage ended in 1992 following allegations of Donald’s relationship with Marla Maples, a former beauty queen. After spending 15 years together and raising three children, it was reported that Ivana received approximately $20 million as part of their divorce settlement. However, the specifics of this agreement have been kept private by the courts.

Back in the day, when I was a hopeless romantic like no other, there was this incredible tale of young love that unfolded between Kevin and Cindy. They were college sweethearts who tied the knot in 1978, right smack in the middle of their academic journey. However, fate had different plans for them, and they parted ways 16 years later in 1994. Together, they brought forth three beautiful souls – Annie, Lily, and Joe. It’s said that Cindy walked away with an impressive $80 million in the divorce settlement.

It appears that Neil was reportedly in love with a TV producer during his marriage to Jane Posner. Marcia wed the musician-composer in 1969, gave birth to two of his sons, Jesse and Micah, filed for divorce after 25 years due to irreconcilable differences, and received half of Neil’s fortune – around $150 million. Yet, Neil doesn’t harbor any resentment; he later stated that “she was worth every penny.

17 years after their union, basketball legend Michael Jordan and his wife Juanita, who married in Las Vegas in 1989, finalized their divorce in 2006. They are parents to three children together. In one of the largest known divorce settlements, it was reported that Michael paid approximately $168 million.

Legendary country singer Kenny Rogers has had five marriages, but his costliest divorce was with his fourth spouse, Marianne Gordon. After 16 years of marriage and sharing one child, they parted ways in 1993. It’s said that Rogers paid around $60 million in the settlement.

Lionel Richie and his ex-wife Diane Alexander, who was previously a dancer and fashion designer, parted ways in 2003 following seven years together, two children, and several unresolvable disputes. In her divorce petition, it’s said that Diane asked for a $15,000 monthly clothing allowance and $20,000 annually for plastic surgeries. The total settlement from Richie is estimated to be around $20 million.

In June of 2000, the businessman tied the knot with his fourth spouse, whom he met at a Vanity Fair Oscar party. Actress was the lucky lady. However, their union only lasted until 2006. According to reports, Ellen is said to have received a substantial settlement and further made over $20 million by selling jewelry that her husband, Ron, had previously gifted her.

The actress had an on-off relationship with the director in the late ’70s, which included a brief interlude with Willie Nelson, her co-star from the movie “Honeysuckle Rose”. They got married in 1985, but their marriage lasted only four years. In 1989, they divorced, and it is said that Amy received a $100 million settlement as part of the divorce.

Following an 18-year partnership, a short-lived attempt at reconciliation, and finally parting ways in 2001, Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison officially ended their marriage in 2004. The pair who share two children together, decided to legally dissolve their union. Given their long relationship, lack of a prenuptial agreement, and substantial wealth involved, it’s reported that Melissa received a staggering $118 million from Harrison’s earnings.

2008 marked the end of their relationship, which lasted six years and produced two children for Alex and Cynthia. The financial details of their high-valued legal dispute have yet to be disclosed.

In 1977, the award-winning actor wedded the 19-year-old daughter of an Austrian diplomat. A year after their marriage, they welcomed a son. In 1995, Diane initiated divorce proceedings and reportedly received a $45 million settlement, along with a share in projects that Michael worked on during their union.

After spending 23 years as a married couple with two children named Brooke and Nick, Linda decided to end her marriage when she learned about her husband’s affair with Christiane Plante, who is 33 years old. According to reports, the divorce settlement was worth over $30 million, with more than 70% of their liquid assets going to Linda, a selection of luxury vehicles, a $3 million property settlement, and a 40% ownership stake in his businesses being included as well.

Back in the ’90s, I, a die-hard Stones fan, couldn’t help but be captivated by the life of Mick Jagger, our iconic frontman. In 1990, he tied the knot with a stunning beauty. However, their fairy tale unraveled in 1999 when it was revealed that Mick had fathered a child with Luciana Morad, a Brazilian model. Despite nine years together, they eventually parted ways. But guess what? According to rumors, she walked away from the split with an impressive $25 million!

In 1994, the victor of the Daytona 500 got married to Brooke, but they split eight years later in 2002 without having any kids. Despite not sharing children, Jeff was still required to pay a substantial sum – approximately $15 million – as part of their divorce settlement.

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2025-04-09 03:47