Melinda French Gates Says Divorce from Bill Gates Was “Necessary” Despite Emotional Toll:

Melinda French Gates has described her 2021 divorce from Bill Gates as "necessary" in a rare and personal interview with The Times. Offering an honest account of the emotional toll, she said the decision stemmed from an inability to fully live her values within the marriage.

"If you can't live your values out inside your most intimate relationship, it was necessary," she stated.

Responding to recent comments by Bill Gates, who called their separation his “greatest regret”, she diplomatically avoided addressing his sentiments directly, saying, “I don’t even quite know what to make of that statement, so I’m not going to comment on what he says. He’s got his own life. I have my life now. I am very happy.”

Emotional Struggles and Therapy Revealed

Ms. French Gates admitted the divorce process was emotionally taxing, with negotiations proving to be especially challenging. She also disclosed experiencing panic attacks during the separation period.

In a vulnerable moment, she shared that she began therapy in 2014, after a panic attack during a lunch with her then-husband. At the time, they were still married.

"It doesn't mean I'm damaged. It means I've been through some difficult things that I need to figure out," she said, advocating for emotional healing and mental health awareness.

Bill Gates Reiterates Regret But Affirms Choices

Earlier in February 2025, Bill Gates told NBC’s TODAY that, although the divorce was his “biggest regret”, he would not change the choices made, due to the meaningful outcomes of their shared philanthropic work and the family they built together.

Life After 27 Years of Marriage

The Gateses were married for 27 years and have three adult children — Phoebe, Rory, and Jennifer. Since the split, Melinda has continued her work as a philanthropist and women’s rights advocate, focusing on causes that align with her values and personal growth.