Melinda French Gates Reveals Where Bill Gates Stand

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Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates’ relationship isn’t binary.

Indeed, the ex-spouses, having children named Jennifer (age 28), Rory (age 25), and Phoebe (age 22) between them, have managed to preserve a friendly relationship even following their divorce in 2021, after being married for an impressive 27 years.

Melinda mentioned in her interview with People, published on April 3, that she occasionally runs into Bill at family gatherings like graduations. When we do cross paths, our interactions are always cordial.

The generous philanthropist and grandmother, who nurtures a warm relationship with Jennifer’s daughters Leila (age 2) and Mia (5 months), shared the secrets behind their amicable bond. She emphasized that one of her most treasured aspects in life is being available for significant milestones in her children’s lives, as well as those of her grandchildren.

Regarding Bill, he has expressed that his divorce from Melinda is the biggest mistake he regrets making.

In an interview with The Times (U.K.) in January, Bill stated that the mentioned item should be placed at the highest priority. He further explained that while there were other matters, none of them held significance compared to this one. He shared that the divorce process had been extremely challenging for him and Melinda for a minimum of two years.

Later on, the creator of the Source Code, for clarification, stated that although he and Melinda enjoyed a wonderful bond, he did not harbor any intentions of rekindling their relationship.

Speaking candidly in a recent interview on Today, I find myself reflecting on our difficult divorce. Yet, having the joy of raising our three wonderful children together, even though I knew our bond wouldn’t endure forever, I wouldn’t hesitate to walk that path again. Time has healed us, and Melinda is thriving. I’m deeply engrossed in meaningful work that brings me immense satisfaction.

Besides, Bill has a new love in his life. 

He happily confided that indeed he’s fortunate to be in a committed relationship with Paula Hurd, whom he’s been associated with since 2023. “We’re really enjoying ourselves,” he added.

Meanwhile, Melinda is also dating again. As she recently told People, she’s “very, very happy.”

Read on to look back at the most expensive celebrity divorces. 

The renowned golfer’s image crumbled when it became public knowledge that he had engaged in multiple extramarital affairs with numerous women. His union with Swedish model Elin Nordegren, which lasted close to six years and produced two children, officially ended in August 2010. It is said that Tiger paid an astonishing $750 million during their divorce, although the exact settlement amount was kept confidential.

In contrast to the popular saying “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” it seems it did for Jennifer Lopez and her then-husband Cris Judd, who directed one of her music videos before their marriage in 2001. However, their marital issues led to a divorce less than a year later, with irreconcilable differences cited as the reason. Despite keeping the settlement amount private, media reports suggest that J.Lo paid around $14 million during their divorce proceedings.

Mel, it’s come to light that in one of Hollywood’s costliest divorces, your ex-wife Robyn Gibson, who was married to you for 28 years, supposedly walked away with half of your estimated $850 million fortune. This generous split occurred because there was no prenuptial agreement in place. The couple shared seven children and, as TopMob News reports, they took a full two years to finalize their settlement agreement.

It’s no surprise that Madge would shake up convention; in this instance, it was her who handed money to her former spouse, Guy Ritchie. After a seven-year marriage, their union ended in 2008, leaving Guy particularly fortunate as there was no prenuptial agreement in place. The estimated cost? Between $72 million and $92 million, according to Madonna’s representative at the time.

As a lifestyle advisor, I find myself reflecting on the journey of Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, who exchanged “I do’s” in the year 2002. However, their marital bond dissolved only four years later in 2006. The subsequent years were marked by a series of legal disputes that finally culminated in their divorce in 2008. It is said that Mills walked away with a substantial portion of McCartney’s wealth, approximately $48.7 million, and also received an alleged monthly allowance of $70,000 for their daughter Beatrice, who was only 4 years old at the time.

Donald and Ivana exchanged vows in a grand wedding in 1977, but their marriage ended in 1992 due to whispers of an alleged affair with Marla Maples, a former beauty queen. Over the course of three children and fifteen years, it’s said that Ivana was granted around $20 million as part of their divorce settlement, although the specific details have been kept confidential by the courts.

Back then, the ups and downs of youthful romance were on display between Kevin and Cindy, who tied the knot in 1978 while both were students. Unfortunately, they parted ways 16 years later in 1994. The couple shared three offspring – Annie, Lily, and Joe. It’s said that Cindy received a substantial $80 million as part of their divorce settlement.

It is reported that Neil had fallen in love with a TV producer while he was still wedded to his first spouse, Jane Posner. Marcia tied the knot with the musician-composer in 1969, welcomed their two sons, Jesse and Micah, filed for divorce after 25 years due to irreconcilable differences, and received half of Neil’s fortune, amounting to $150 million. Yet, Neil does not harbor any resentment; he later stated that “she was worth every penny.

17 years after their marriage in 1989, Michael Jordan and his wife Juanita officially divorced in 2006, following an effort to reconcile. They spent 17 years together as husband and wife and share three children. The divorce settlement was substantial, with reports indicating that Michael paid around $168 million.

Country artist Kenny Rogers has experienced divorce multiple times, having been married five different partners. However, his costliest separation was with Marianne Gordon, his fourth spouse. After 16 years of matrimony and one shared child, they divorced in 1993, with Rogers reportedly paying around $60 million in settlements.

Lionel Richie and his former spouse, Diane Alexander (a dance artist and fashion designer), ended their 20-year marriage in 2003 following seven years together, two children, and numerous unresolvable conflicts. In her alimony claim, it’s said that she requested a $15,000 monthly budget for clothing and an annual plastic surgery budget of $20,000. The total compensation? A projected $20 million from Richie.

In June of 2000, the businessman tied the knot with his fourth spouse who was an actress, having met her at a Vanity Fair Oscar party. However, their union lasted only until 2006. It’s said that Ellen walked away with a substantial settlement and reportedly earned over $20 million by selling jewelry previously gifted by Ron.

The relationship between the actress and the director had a series of ups and downs; they’d get back together, then separate again. During one of these splits, she dated Willie Nelson, her co-star in the movie “Honeysuckle Rose.” They married in 1985, but their reconciliation was short-lived, lasting only four years. In 1989, they divorced, and it’s said that Amy received a $100 million settlement in the divorce.

Following 18 years as a couple, Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison decided to end their relationship permanently in 2001, following a brief attempt at reconciliation. Officially divorced in 2004, this pair who share two children mutually ended their marriage. With no prenuptial agreement and substantial wealth involved, it is said that Melissa received an astounding $118 million from Harrison’s earnings upon their divorce.

2008 marked the end of a six-year relationship between Alex and Cynthia, during which they had two children. The specifics of their expensive court case’s resolution have not been made public.

In 1977, an actor who won an Oscar tied the knot with the 19-year-old daughter of an Austrian diplomat. A year after their marriage, they welcomed a son. However, in 1995, Diane initiated divorce proceedings and reportedly received a $45 million settlement, along with a stake in projects that Michael worked on during their relationship.

23 years into their marriage and having two children, Brooke and Nick, Linda decided to file for divorce from her spouse when she discovered his affair with Christiane Plante, a 33-year-old professional wrestler. It is said that Linda was granted a settlement agreement exceeding $30 million, which included more than 70% of their combined liquid assets, several luxury vehicles, a $3 million property settlement, and 40% ownership in his businesses.

In 1990, the lead singer of The Rolling Stones got married to a model. However, Jerry filed for divorce in 1999, following his discovery that Mick had fathered a child with Brazilian model Luciana Morad. After nine years of marriage, it was reported that Jerry received $25 million as part of their divorce settlement.

In 1994, the victor of the Daytona 500 got married to Brooke. However, their union ended in divorce eight years later, in 2002. Despite not having any children together, Jeff was still obliged to pay a substantial sum – an estimated $15 million – as part of their settlement agreement.

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2025-04-04 01:47