As a loving mother and grandmother, Melinda French Gates is focused on being there for the special moments in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

“One of the most important things in my life is being present for the big moments in my children’s and now my grandchildren’s lives,” she said.

Despite the changes in her personal life, Melinda, 60, cherishes her role as a mother to her three children daughters Jennifer, 28, and Phoebe, 22, and son Rory, 25.

Now a grandmother to two precious girls: Leila, 2, and Mia, 5 months.

After 27 years of marriage, Melinda and Bill Gates divorced in 2021.

However, Melinda shares that she and Bill have remained cordial.

“Bill and I see each other every now and then at family events, such as graduations,” Melinda says.

“When we do, it’s friendly.”

Life after divorce

Life after the divorce has been a journey of growth for both Melinda and Bill.

While Bill began a relationship with Paula Hurd, a longtime companion who has accompanied him to various events, Melinda has also found happiness in her personal life.

“I’m very, very happy,” she says, though she remains private about her partner.

Her newfound joy follows a difficult and transformative chapter in her life, one that she openly discusses in her upcoming book, The Next Day, out April 15.

In the book, Melinda reveals the emotional challenges of leaving a marriage that spanned nearly three decades.

She writes about the personal journey that led her to this decision and shares how it’s been both painful and empowering.

“It was important for me to be real,” Melinda explains.

“Hopefully, it’s helpful to someone else.”

Melinda remains committed to empowering women and girls worldwide.